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iLlBilARY OF CONGRESS. I 



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SCIENCE, 

ILLUSTRATED AND APPLIED; 

A POEM, 



IN TWO PARTS, 



BY JOHN W. HADCOCK. 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED 



MISCELLANEOUS POEM.S. 



ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. 



UTICA: 

BBABD31EY & LYON, PRINTERS, H3 aENESEl STREET 

1851. 



//to ( 



Entf^red aooording to Act of Congress, in tli(^ .yparlSul, by 

JOHN W. IIADCOOK. 

In the Clerk's Office of tlie District Court of the Xortlxu-n District of 

New Yorlc. 



CONTENTS 



PlOB, 

Preface . . ^ , ♦ ♦ » 5 

Introduction , 7 

PART FIRST. 
Canto T. — The Result of Investigation 9 

Canto II. — The effects of Investigation upon 
scientific objects 27 

Canto III. — The gratification of Scientific 
Research . , 42 

Canto IV. — Practical Science as applicable to 
the general wants of mankind. . . , 57 

Canto V. — Science as tending to develope the 
character and attributes of Deity 69 

Canto VI.— Science as tending to the promul- 
gation and adoption of Moral Principle., , , » 91 



4 

PART SECOND. 

Science Applied lOS 

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 

The Gallows 154 

Life's Reality 156 

The Wanderer. 158 

October . , . . 1 60 

The Soldier's Career. 162 

Results of Necessity .<..,..,.,.... 163 

A Tribute to the Brave. 164 

Ode. 166 

The Poet , .167 

SELECTED POEMS. 

Superstition , .*«.:. 168 

The Friends of my Youth .,. .171 

The Embroidress at Midnight... . . . .... . . . . .173 

The Voice of Childhood. 176 

Be kind to each other. , 179 

Stanzas 180 

Consolation 182 

A Lyric for Lovers, , ,,♦.., 185 



PREFACE. 



The aiitlioi* in submitting the following work to 
the public, feels confident that they, under the cir- 
cumstances, will make every allowance which 
justice requires. 

The toil to which he has been subject for the 
last four years, while engaged in its completion, 
may perhaps in a measure have retarded the inter- 
est, which might otherwise have been sensibly in- 
creased. 

His labors at the anvil for the purpose of procu- 
ring the necessaries of life have been almost inces- 
sant; spare evenings only, have been devoted to 
accomplish the purposes of this work. Should it 
prove acceptable and instructive, his strongest 
wishes and anticipations will be fully and amply 
realized. 



6 

The diffidence which he must necessarily feel, 
is, in the consciousness thJit it is the duty of every 
one in issuing a work, however large or small, to 
exhibit as the subject matter lessons of instruction : 
whether or not such are contained within the pages 
of this work, he cheerfully submits it to the bar of 
public opinion. 

That vast field which he has been able but slight- 
ly to traverse, presents an inexhaustible fountain of 
material for the candid and reflecting mind. Hence 
rest the most ardent hopes of the author, that from 
the leading truths suggested within these pages, 
there may be drawn matter upon which the mind 
may expatiate, and continue to muse, till worn 
down by laborious and exhaustless inquiries. 

Norway, Herkimer Co., Dec. 30, 1850. 



INTRODUCTION, 



Why Is the world still charmed with barbarous 
Customs old? Has Egypt, Greece, or Rome, so 

nerved 
The powers of old Adam's lace, that they must 
Seize on relics reared m Europe, Africa, and Pal- 
estine ? 
'Tis true, men are charmed by deeds of valor won : 
And fain would mark their path with devastation 
And with blood. Driven on by desperation mad, 
They catch the double flame of ages long since 

past, 
And haste to mingle sacred things, with those pro- 
fane. 
But stop on ruin's verge, for sad indeed does his- 
tory's 
Record repeat the din of ancient wars : 
It tells of Empires wrecked, and cities burned ; 
"^hile the slaughtered millions but too plainly told, 
That science and religion must be sold. 
Popes, Legates, immediate delegates from Hell, 



8 

Had well concocted schemes that buried the 

Last feeble taper in superstition's gloom. 

The records of the past, in times so sadly told, « 

Were buried in holy martyr's tombs, and smothered 

In the crusades made to foreign lands. 

The learning of the age was a mystery to its race ; 

Devoid of sacred truth, debased by superstition, 

And enslaved by cunning priests. 

Though there were years full twenty score, much 

darker 
Than the Pyramids of Ramises, yet champions 
Like flowers selected from the rest, and bound 
And bundled close to fill some crowded vase, 
Seized on armors burnished bright, to aid the 
Sure ensuing fight. 

Time itself did much befriend the noble cause ; 
And time did still increase ; but faster far 
And more than all the rest, did mystery's hidden 

deep. 
Display the awful darkness, which priestly 
Superstition had established unperceived. 
Scan the circle of Heaven's celestial vault, 
Behold the trackless revolutions of its orb : 
View the perfect structure of the human frame 
Composed. of lifeless earth, which bears the 
Nourishment of life, and gives to beast and insect 
An undisputed home. 
Tell then ! if thought must die, and moulder 



With the ruins of a dissipated race. 
To smother thought, by nature prone to rove, 
Would be to grasp Jehovah's dictatorial 
Mandate, and conquer fate's decree. 
Haste then ye sparks of Hving genius to adopt the 
Law of universal love ; impart to creatures of your 
Race that consolation sweet, derived from Him 
Who wheels our globe from day to day ; and holdsa 
In hand the dashing of the cataract ; while 
Around His glittering standard, rolls the pealing 
Thunder, peal on peal, which elevates the soul 
To sentiments of sublimity and awe. 



u 



CANTO I, 



THE KliSULT OF INVESTICIATION. 



Cannot the intellectual mind of man, so far 
Advanced in faculties sublime, select for 
Thought, objects which swell the heart, and 
Shed a golden light around. 
'Tis true, severe decrees may check those sweet 
Melodious tones so oft declaring thought exclusive 
Ln her reign. But where reigns the despot 
Whose edict can give law ? Where does power 
Rest that holds the will in check ? 
Is it not with Him who guides the mind to 
Still more lofty research, to ferret out the 
Perversion of a sadly mutilated race ? 
Hold then, and interpose your aid to dispel 
The ignorance of the age. Shout forth ye burn- 
ing meteors. 
And see what revolutions may be wrought. 
The past and present spread a gloom too 
Dark for moral attributes to charm : 
But in future may they grapple with the foe, 



12 

And purge and cleanse its every pore, till 

Light triumphant fills her every throne. 

Oh, cruel custom ! why hast thou so quickly 

Interposed to tear asunder peaceful hopes 

Which fain would linger fondly nursing 

Science so requisite for him who soon must 

Wing his flight to distant worlds, and find 

Enjoyment far surpassing courts of kings, and 

Rulers here below. 

Nature's laws, as firm as God's eternal throne, 

By many never yet explored, produce in untrained 

Mortal minds a kind of fearful terror, 

Not even yet removed. 

In ages past we see the eftbrts of our race 

Directed to the Sun and Moon ; while 

Meteors, and fiery comets with their blazing tails, 

But still augmented efforts Wind, whose 

Fiery zeal could not be quenched but by ringing 

Bells, and sounding trumpets loud, to enchant 

The hidden springs of nature vast, where suns 

Unnumbered shine, and mighty worlds 

Their rounds pursue. 

Thus impositions of the grossest kind are taught 

And harbored in tlie mind ; 

Some pretend to view in harmless lights 

That grace the vast immensity of space. 

Boundless armies passing to and fro, 

Thus mingling the Alpine scenes of nature. 



13 

With the fiercest battle to contend, and 
Deluge Earth with streams of human gore. 
Behold ! ye Astrologers of Rome, stars and 
Other planetary orbs reeling their course to 
Earth, and passing off in lawless order to fix 
The fate of nations, of armies, and of men. 
Look at confusion introduced to propel 
Celestial orbs, whose journeying through 
Heaven's vast arch are fixed by laws 
Immutable ; examine, investigate, and see, if 
Distant meteors like these have aught to do 
In rendering homage to the moral incidents of life. 
Measure the far distant space from earth 
To the remotest caverns of immensity, and 
See, if intervening worlds can fix the moral 
Attributes of those, who mar and obliterate 
The beauties of our race. 
Kings and Princes, high and low, why seek 
Predictions so profane ? do planets hold 
Your destiny in hand, or worlds foretell your doom : 
Nay, but He who sways the sceptre of a 
Thousand worlds, must ever move the veil. 
And bring to light that mystery of mysteries. 
Haste then to search out causes still unknown. 
And covered with a brilliant crest 
That lights the path, and scatters every fear. 
Far -better that you had ne'er been born. 
Than dare presume to grapple with your 



m 



14 

God, to wrest the keys of fate, and hence predict 
His purposes of state. 

Has England's boasted knowledge,' or Scotland's 
High pursuits, dispelled those grovelling fears 
'I hat harrow up the mind, and quicken vision, 
So sensitive to ills and shapes of every kind ? 
Speak ye critics bold, (so conversant with 
Manners, and with men,) and let the people knov/, 
If superstitious ignorance is banished fromthe world. 
Consume that store of midnight oil, reserved 
For purposes refined, and haunt those pages 
Long since filed away, that you may learn 
Anew, the misery of your race. 
See them starting at the bounding hare, or at the 
Roving sow, whom chance hath thrown across 
Their path; while croaking ravens with howling dogs 
Are still prognostics of approaching death. 
Sad as it is, they tremble at vain dreams. 
Thus destroying that which might ennoble man, 
Making frail nature as short as insupportable. 
Even the stars of heaven, which pass in rapture 
To and fro, have caused alarm, while passing 
Clouds which mantle earth, have ofttimes made 
The Scottish peasant, lords, and all, the willing 
Dupes of false alarm, and vulgar apparitions 
Most profane. 

Man, ever prone to wrestle with his ease, in 
Spite of real evils which exist, has reared 



15 

Imaginary monsters too frail for heaven or 

Earth to own. 

False conclusions drawn from objects real 

But still enhance those fears which create 

Ideal worlds ; rearing spectres, furies, wizards. 

And other strange and wrinkled hags [witches 

Too numerous to rehearse : 

With these he thinks his weal or woe 

Inevitably combined. 

The regions of the skies are thronged with 

Apparitions, while terrific phantoms stalk abroad 

To terrify the wearied traveller in midnight's dark 

Repose ; in ruined castles and buildings old, 

They frequently announce their dread approach by 

Horrid sounds without, while rattling coach 

With fiery steeds, patrol the fast decaying 

Halls, and shake the very earth that 

Deity hath formed. 

In graveyards, caverns, and forests deep, 

Most horrid sounds have tinkled in the ear, 

As monstrous shapes have risen up and 

Made vast cities tremble at the sight. 

Such folly soon would sink to nought, 

If kept in close alliance with its native sires 

Whose vulgar minds have made so little 

Research in that unbounded field of 

Scientific worth which sheds such golden 

Rays through caverns of superstitious gloom 



16 



Wlilch long have waged an unrelenting war on 

Human rights, and slaughtered man with 

Will of demons most infernal. 

Such are reckless authors of men's woes ; 

Untrained in nature's laws, they drag the 

Mortal mind enchained, (with vast pretensions, 

To their skill) to depths of irrevocable despair. 

While men of sound and penetrating minds. 

Must blush to leave on history's page 

The names of men who hold no inferior 

Hank in the world's great catalogue of 

Literary men. 

Go back, and search Joseph us, 

How soon you'll find that giant mind 

Tainted, ay, even poisoned with 

Incredible deceit. 

Palming off imaginary ghosts for real objects 

That he saw, thus giving credit to groundless fear, 

More readily assumed, than when confirmed 

To minds more vulgar than his own. 

Peruse the history of James the sixth, 

See there a mind, well versed in theological 

Pursuits, debased by devoting time, intellect 

And money in spreading wide the popular 

Errors of his day. 

Many were the hourd he spent in proving 

Witches still extant, while, (as he oft declared) ■ 

With wings of telegraphic speed, and 



17 

•i 

BroomsticlTs for their base, they soared 
On high to haiiiit the lonely cottage in the night. 
Fixed, motionless, and petrified with dread, 
They dare not disobey, but asked the mercy 
Of a sovereign despot, whose arm was 
Nerved to deeds of bloody valor, to prove 
His willingness to spend the powers of 
Rant and rhapsody in warm defence of . 
Witches, wizards and fairies, at the expense 
Of royal blood throughout his realm. 
In years gone by, those rumbling sounds 
So oft produced in mines and deep dug 
Pits, were charged to Demons of the cells. 
While scientific truth would soon have 
Banished fears like these, and proved 
The mighty crash, a philosophic 
Problem solved by gas confined in some 
Remote or distant space. 
Beside opinions such as we have named. 
Opinions too, that fill the vulgar mind with 
Double apprehonsioi^ hundreds more exist 
That give assent to sdll more foolish 
Vagaries, and pass them off for current truths. 
Thus, tradition, keeps the mind enslaved; 
And even cites grave authors for the proof.. 
Should we attempt to tell of all the . 
Wanderings of the mind, the effort 
Would prove vain, while weak and 



18 



Helpless as the infant child, the pen 
Would drop as though unclenched within 
Our grasp, and minds of high pursuit 
Would turn aside, faint and overhurdened 
With disgust. 

That notions so ahsurd should ever have 
Prevailed, and seized as victims of their prize 
The noble genius man, are thoughts too 
Grating to repeat, and the only consolation 
Human wisdom can devise, is, instruction 
To impart ; while indeed we may weep, 
But its only sympathetic grief. That 
Superstitious folly still remains extant, 
Is proof that man is just emerging 
From the gloom of midnight woe ; 
And well may he who sees in every orb 
That steady march which governs vast 
Lmnensity, heave and groan though 
Not alone, because of groundless fears 
Which spring from sources thus corrupt. 
But He who holds eternal (^stiny in 
Hand, has false constructions put 
Upon His ways. 

The man whose mind doth penetrate 
The shroud of nature's deep concerted 
Plans, perceives no grating sounds, 
BiU all is harmony and order. 
Rushing on without convulsed or heaving 



19 

Sighs ill proof of Deity's benevolent designs , 

He sees no clashing elements in the 

Vast department of His works, to teach 

Mankind that nature's laws produce 

Disease or pain to any of his race. 

But change the man, enshroud him 

With the garb of superstitious fear. 

And you find him but a brute ; 

The sky, the air, the waters of the eartli, 

Are heaving and bellowing with monstrous 

Sliapes to terrify his fears, or consunmiate 

His ruin. 

The one beholds the universe with a 

Shining train pursuing her trackless 

Course by laws invariable, which none can 

Counteract but He w^io moves them 

With a will : while ihe other sees naught 

But a boundless space marching on in 

Lawless order to irritate malicious spirits 

Damned, who seek revenge alone to gratify 

The passions of their kind. 

Thus while one beholds nought but care, 

Wisdom, and benevolence, the other sees 

Nothing but malice, envy, hatred, and 

Revenge, in the wisdom of Him whose 

Throne is irreproachable. 

Alas for man, that such absurd and 

Foolish notions should ever dim his 



20 



Mortal mind, and tlius unfit that 

Supreme gift for forming just conclusions 

In its research after truth. 

But so it is, we see his understanding 

Chained to naught, while down the scale 

He glides,. till he has reached with 

Shattered brain and worn out frame, 

A sordid and most abject state ; 

Thus we see in fragments scattered round, 

A priceless gift unfit to view the order 

And extent of nature universal. 

Strange message this to tell of mortal- minds 

Endowed with facuhies sublime ; 

Unable to perceive the motion- of revolving earth 

And the distance of celestial orbs ; 

Yet they grasp opinions ten thousand times 

More baseless than themselves, 

And readily believe that wrinkled hags 

Have power uncontrolled to wing their 

Way through air, and haunt them. 

While the hideous darkness of niglit 

O'ershadows earth. But still more, and 

Worse than all the rest, such notions 

Lead to d^eds of cruelty and wrong 

So well proved out that history's page doth 

Designate those crimes of deeper hue and 

Charge them to the superstitious.fears of 

Every nation now extant, Even freedom's 



21 



Land of boasted light is numbered with 

The rest. 

While witchcraft led her ancient fathers 

Captive to its shrine, and stained the 

Peaceful soil with human gore, 

Dreams, apparitions, terror, and consternation 

Of the grossest kind, increased these 

Prodigies of horror, while prisons 

O'erflowed with subjects of their fears, 

And buried minds in gloomy apprehensions 

Of the times. 

Such evils then exist among mankind. 

With false opinions and vain fears 

They debase the understanding of the man, 

And sever Deity's designs to perpetrate 

Deeds of horrid cruelty and wrong. 

Thus you see that we have assumed that 

Ignorance of the laws of nature's God, 

And the economy of His works, has been 

The source of opinions thus absurd ; 

Which none would ever dare dispute. 

When once convinced that God is the 

Great prime mover of His works. 

Search out the plans of nature far and wide, 

Survey the phenomena of her works, 

And you'll find her far surpassing 

Frowning storms which gather round 

The shrine of human vestures, rearing 



22 

Phantoms to the terror of their race. 
Search on, the farther you advance in 
Nature's vast economy and laws, 
The sooner you'll behold the foolishness of man. 
A knowledge of the cause, removes the 
Real evil, and the effect must as 
Promptly be removed. 

Let knowledge frown when folly would control, 
And reason seize the place of legendary 
Tales as handed down from sire to son, 
^ And made the theme of social chat; 
And soon, the greater part of horrid 
Phantoms, now so numerous, will be 
For ever banished from the world: 
While scientific truth will wing its flight 
Through every dimly lighted path. 
And tell the reason why the few remain, 
Which still exist. 

'Tis not alone the man who's learned in 
All the subtleties of Greece and Rome, 
Who's preserved from false and foolish 
Whims, but he, whose mind doth 
Ponder nature well, and mark remits 
Of laws which Universe doth claim, is 
Wellbuoyedup and stands unmoved 
When grating sounds doth shake the earth, 
And rushing comets hurl their fiery missiles round. 
Let philosophic research be the theme, where facts 



23 

Respecting earth, atmospliere, and air, are we] 

portrayed, 
And notions false will quickly change. 
And vanish from the sight ; 
While nature's uniform career, will 
Please the sense, and fix the eye, 
Unconscious now of evil shapes, in 
Rapture to adore. 
Let men be taught that eclipses of 
The sun and moon, are shadows 
Passing by of worlds unnumbered by 
The human eye, that comets oft go 
Forth with mighty escorts to the plain, 
To tread again the broad highway which 
Leads them not astray, 
And soon they'll view with pleasing 
Eye, and calmer mind, those mighty 
Rounds which nature must pursue. 
Sublime are thoughts which flit across 
The mind enlightened, while beams of 
Science welcome home celestial orbs. 
And count the comet but a visitant 
To Earth, returning in her regular tread 
To seek anew some stranger to her train. 
For this, we need but view the history of 
The past to prove, that facts like these, 
Would banish shadows from the mind, 
And rend the veil which hides Divine 



24 

Arrangements from the view of mortal eye. 

Search o'er the field of the enlightened few, 

See them conscious of the solemn change, 

While mounting high the rostrum of the 

Skies they view the brilliant crest, a portion 

Of terraqueous globe, and think not to themselves 

That man is treacherous to his Maker God, 

While bowing down a slave to superstitious 

Notions, and vain fears. 

Who amid the exalted train, betrays 

Alarm when comets mind the bidding 

Of Jehovah God? and eclipses darken 

Sun or Moon, is there one ? if so, 

Expose him to the scorn and indignation 

Of the rest, and tell the wide world 

0*er, that spectres dragged him from 

His bed at midnight's dread repose, 

And charged him with a mission 

To unfold, that would sure craze 

Frail nature as she saw and listened 

With surprise. But no, a philosophic . 

Mind is never thus befooled, and made 

The victim of debasing, low-bred, shameless 

Fears ; but rather frowns with scorn, 

Upon the wretch who doubts the 

Sovereignty of his God, and makes 

Immensity subservient to his fears. 

Thus we may conolude, that knowledge 



25 

Dissipates those fears, and elevates the 
Man to stations worthy of his name. 
In proof that God is King o'er wide 
Creation's ceaseless, never varying rounds, 
These truths may well be taught to every 
Rank and grade : there is none 
However low his standing in the eyes 
Of men, (if common sense doth linger 
Round,) but who may grasp the prize, 
Without infringing time that daily 
Labor doth consume. 
While ignorance moves the demon cloud 
Which darkens eveiy mind, and fills 
Whole nations with alarm, no means 
Should be withheld, till vice, and folly 
Be confined, and henceforth overcome by 
Virtue, reason, and common sense, widioiit 
Disguise or false pretension. 
As fear is painful in itself, in straying far 
From pnths of safety and ol lile, the utmost 
IMeans should be enforced lo sever fearful terrors 
From the mind, and implant more just 
Conceptions of the attributes of Deity Himself. 
To rend the chams wiiich hold jnen bound 
The willing dupes of supersiitlous fears a general 
View of useful knowledge is the tiling: 
'Tis not the shackles which confine the mind 
To points of ditTicult solution, but 
2 



26 

tJnIversal nature is the theme ; 
While with wide extended arms she bids us 
Welcome to the boon, and wafts us on with 
Silken pinions to the goal. 



27 



CANTO II. 

THE EFFECTS OF INVESTiaATIOxX UPON SCIENTIFIC OBJECTS, 



Thus we have viewed whh still and silent 
Thought, the gradual crumbling and decay 
Of sad depravity in man, the sure result of 
Knowledge well defined, when made the 
Substitute of fears which harrow up the mind. 
All that flatters pride and vanity must die ; 
The ponderous fetters must be loosed ; while 
O'er fair earth, with lightning speed. 
Conceptions just of attributes Divine, 
INIust pilot man through shoals 
\¥hich border round the shores of nature's 
Wide domain. 

Should this secure the prize, our every eflbrt 
Could but be repaid, while round on every 
Hand we saw the veil removed, and 
Nature's system, well defined, as meant 
To indicate that God is first, and then 
Comes next decaying mortal man. 
Such truths are, notwithstanding, few, wlien 
Brought to vie with philosophic steeps ; 



28 

And hence exhibit to the wondering gaze, 

Yon crowning worlds, which move with 

Speed through boundless space, and 

Grace terraqueous globe. 

'Tis disciphne which wakes the sprightly pinions 

Of the mind, and soars away enlarging science 

In her march, each moment giving place by 

Turns to higher hopes and more repose, 

Till boundless in her way, rough and horrid as 

Life's tempest seems, we move midst scenes 

Where objects far exceeding strife, command 

A sober second thought. 

It matters not what field the eye explores ; 

Its searching glance may flit across the 

Plain, or dive to depths beneath, then soaring 

Far away, as if to greet some messenger on 

High, it meets new objects all around, 

Though difl:ering far in shape and sphere. 

Yet bearing marks of wisdom's care which 

Gives resemblance to all dial's life throughout 

Jehovah's vast domain. 

Science seems a sporting problem for 

Mankind ; it draws a line so well defined 

(If man be what he seems to be) that none 

Can misconstrue. 

'Tis perception, resemblance, and relation. 

Which unfold that vast and boundless field 

Whose matchless workings make earth's 



29 

Welkin ring in praise of God's extensive 
Plans ; and point out facts which prove 
Beyond a doubt, that man's resolved on 
Universal conquest o'er beast and insect, 
Who in resemblance bear relation to himself. 
Hence, to understand the number of relations 
"Which exist among the yet unnumbered objects, 
Moving each in different spheres, material some, 
And others intellectual, and each a part of 
Universe itself, requires observation most 
Profound. 

Deductions must be made, comparisons 
Must be brought or facts in numerous ways 
Be solved, which comprehend the whole. 
Science then, seems based on facts ; 
And few exceptions can be brought, when 
Grounds are once assumed, that truths sublime, 
When stripped of all mysierious terms. 
Divulge so many facts. • 

Illustrations might here be introduced, 
But when we view with candid thought 
True logic in itself, we need not tell. 
That a projectile describes a parabolic curve. 
Or that the lightning speed of falling 
Bodies, is in proportion to the distance 
Of their flight. Such are truths of 
Ample proof, deduced from observation 
Of the gravest kind, and still enhanced 



30 

By faithful, long, and well tried schemes. 

And thus it is that he who holds but 

Common rank, and blest, as all must 

See, with wholesome, sound, and 

Common sense, may grasp the boon, though 

Ignorance held the sway, if he'll but 

Fly from error's gloomy vault, and 

Scan with searching glance the deep 

Mysterious truths which sciences unfold. 

That one excels in searching o'er the field of 

Scientific truths, is but a proof that many 

Spurn the truths which science brings to view ; 

While others, steadfast in their work, pursue 

The path (if nothing more) that brings to light 

A single fact. Look at the myriads 

Now engaged in scientific thought, and see 

If even half, are blessed with minds 

Excelling common laborers of the day. 9i 

The man wlto gives his time to scientific 

Thought, and brings to light new facts. 

Is ofttimes he who lives in penury and 

Want, and not he who wields the elocution 

Of the bar, or desk, and spends a hfetime 

Searching o'er the records of a college hall. 

Discipline indeed is good ; but far beyond 

Do circumstances reach, when diiTering 

In their train, thus bringing different 

Objects to their sight, and adding new 



Relations with their different 

Combinations, lying (as they many times 

Must) far beyond the range of higher 

Observation. 

Envy not the genius then, which climbs 

The world of nature and brings to view 

Sublime and obvious truths, which wiser 

Heads may miss. Such may win the prize, 

And this makes good the oft repeated 

Fact, that he who studies nature as she is, 

Will designate the mysteries of her universal 

Frame, by giving to each link which binds the 

Whole, a sober separate thought. 

Hence the mass of mind,. though moderate 

To extremes when fixed in steady contemplation 

Of objects scientific in themselves, scans 

With eagle eye, that philosophic chart 

Which measures each degree of 

Nature's consecrated roof, reaching truths 

Of every kind, while she brings in concert 

New relations to the view. 

Arouse that drooping spirit then which 

Moves in lower ranks, and prosecute 

Those high born hopes from whence 

Analogies are drawn ; and ere the star 

Of life be covered with a shroud, a 

Bright and charming day must shine 

On science as it is. 



32 

Vast and ample is the field which - 
Microscopic mind has never yet explored. 
Science, unperfected as it is, and youthful 
In its growth, sends forth a voice 
ICnticingin itself, which tells mankind of 
Imperfections which exist, and fain would 
Prompt each one, however rich or poor, 
To study well its laws, which future observation 
Must propound. Nature's objects, which 
Science doth embrace, presents 'as yet 
Exhaustless themes to trouble human brains ; 
Some obscure, others unexplained, and more 
. Than all the rest, a host of combinations 
Which have never been disclosed. 
Age on Age must flit away, and- still ten 
Thousand wonders, (strange to tell,) must lie 
Concealed beneath the veil, which covers 
Nature's wide domain. 

To speed the time when undiscovered truths 
Of science shall be brou"ht to liirht, 
The day must dawn when thousands, 
Wliere there's now but one, dev'ote at least, 
In part, their time in ranging universe 
At large. If this could be attained, 
Truths and facts, in nigh proportion to the 
Numbers thus engaged, would light the 
World, and bring to eartli the hidden 
Wonders of celestial skv, 



33 

Time that's past, proclaims the truth of 
What is here assumed ; in ages 
Dark, when dissipated minds too proud 
To learn, strayed far from high pursuits, 
We saw no progress of successful flight ; 
When b^ms of science e'en caught the 
Passing notice of mankind, but rather 
Sunk in stupid frenzy from the sight. 
But when the " Royal edict" was annulled. 
And " Papal fetters'* burst, the cheering rays of 
Science beamed o'er creation with a smile. 
Arts aroused from slumbering ages past, 
And moved with ponderous tread to summon 
Reverence to the coascious change. 
Hence to speed the flight of science through 
Creation's boundless field, the numbers now 
So few who give a passing thought or 
List'ning ear to observations of so grave a 
Kind, must be increased in ten-fold 
Ratio from the past, and make the 
Present teem with efforts for the mass ; 
Present the glittering mind, endowed 
With intellect sublime, and teach a 
Truth, which logic true can never 
Undermine, that perseverance soars away 
And leads the mind, however feeble 
In its youth, to search out reasons for 
The cause ; while in proportion to success 
2* 



34 



Its triumphs doth resound. 

Means hke these, would soon revive those 

Dormant springs of mind, which shine 

So brilliant in exching spheres. 

Though dim as midnight's curtained vault. 

Progress stamps her shining rays on every 

Page that intellect unfolds, and gladly 

Lists to late and new discovered lacts 

Which light the different regions of terraqueous 

Globe. Ambition of the highest kind, 

Augments an innate love to cherish 

Knowledge of superior worth, 

While o'er creation she doih roam, to gather 

Scattered fragtne! ts liere and theie, 

And liirhi the cojicave arch whicli spreads 

Tene.-trial nature out to view. 

Sum up the hulk of human mind, 

Behold die vast and endless objects of 

Her rulti, and soon you'll know ilie 

Fact so plain, that knowledge is the 

Philosophic tube which drinks the lightning 

Flash, and bids yon angry cloud to rend 

Whate'er it please. 

In earth beneath, ambition weighs each 

Mineral there engrossed, whilst douhly eager 

In pursuit, she grasps with ease yon 

Circling worlds, and tells mankind that 

Order reigns throughout this lower globe. 



35 



No shackles interpose when mind doth 
Move her sovereign will ; exchisive right 
Is no where known ; all, whatever rank or 
Grade, may seize the priceless gem, and 
Open wider still the field yet pregnant 
With so many facts. 
Science, though youthful in its growth. 
Must soon expand beyond its present bounds ; 
No human arm can stay its march ; 
Nature's universal scene, invites with 
Equal warmth, the peasant and the king ; 
While each in turn, (or even both at once,) 
May view her vast and ample chart. 
And make deductions from the same. 
Superior far, in life's obscurest paths, are 
Facts from thence deduced, untrammelled 
By the pride of life or merry glass, they 
Range the wide spread field, and roam 
With pleasure through her caves, while 
Nightly pleasure prompts a walk to 
View the glittering gems of Heaven's vault. 
Let not the thought for once arise, that 
He whose taste would relish mental 
Joys, can less perform the duties common 
To our race. There's none but who enjoys 
Some leisure time, that's oftdme spent 
In reckless folly and reproach. 
Turn then your train of thought when 



36 

Leisure thus gives place, and pleasure 
You'll enjoy ten thousand times more firm 
And lasting to mankind, than all 
The vain and reckless joys which human 
Genius can invent. 
Absurd indeed would be the thought. 
That he who feasts his mind on subjects 
Rational in themselves, should thus 
Become a brute, unfit for business 
Common to our life. 
He whose mind reverts to scientific 
Thought, improves the mental powers 
Which he sways, and doubly fits himself 
For every station of his race. Intellect 
Expands where diligence is known ; and 
Oft where special eflx)rt seems the theme. 
Some new and hidden wonders spring to 
View, and doubly fit the man for spheres 
Of every grade. The fangs which poison 
Every vein of social life arise from intellects 
Untrained. Cruel, oh cruel, is the fact. 
That, gifts so high, should still be dormant ; 
Aye, m useless we might say, unless in 
Vain and fearful strife. If thought were 
Turned from objects loathsome in themselves. 
How soon would science dawn anew, and 
Turn as with a magic hand, that 
Flood of^ human woe so fatal to our 



37 



Race. Yes, and hurl that one, and 
Damulng stain from earth, obscurity of 
Rational thought. 
Let thousands move the mighty 
Glass which brings celestial regions down 
To view, while each a separate portion 
To themselves would scan entire 
Heaven's concave arch, and make her 
Numerous globes which roll in active 
Spheres, a sporting wonder to the eye. 
Jupiter, aye Jupiter, no fiery comet 
E'er could trace thy orb without a 
Passing view ; while undiscovered 
Planets (if any yet remain revolving 
With our globe) would quick be brought 
To light. 

Nature's system, moved by laws both 
Few and simple, is too extensive and 
Too grand, to be at once made plain 
By few and scattered minds ; and 
He who strives to rear from scattered 
Fragments founded on but partial views, 
Spacious 'globes and theories of note, 
Is but presumptuous in his schemes ; and 
Would but damp our ardor to discover 
Facts, and thus unhinge what seems the 
Plans of Deity himself, the grand 
Display to human minds of universe 



38 

With all its vast stupendous works, as 

Recompense for efibits of untiring search. 

Why not array the mass of human mind 

In sterner conflict with the Demon vice ? 

Possessed with equal powers each ; why not 

Devote in part our time to scientific thought ? 

And thus develope different tastes to draw 

Distinct and specious efforts forth, and 

Spe^d that scientific Car the most 

Congenial to each mind. 

I^et each assume distinct departments 

Of the same, and time would soon 

Unfold a science perfect in itself; 

No jar or discord e'er could intervene ; 

But each, and every fact*? would 

Speed the car which nature burdens 

With her freiglit. 

'i'hough darkness seems to mantle 

Science round about, and few as yet can 

Boast of scientific pleasures as they are ; 

Yet array for once, those few, who travel 

Nature's rugged steeps and hail each 

Star with wondrous ease which lights 

The thousand systems far away, and 

They, yes they, though scorned by thousands 

Of our race, may swell the mighty 

Ranks, and stand a host to combat 

Darkness ; and awake what seems 



39 



Nought else but an eternal sleep. 
What else would men like these advise 
But to allot to each a branch 
Congenial to his mind ; and thus 
Speed on the day, when aught but to 
Improve, shall meet the scorn and 
Envy of the world. 
Sad indeed, though true it is, that time 
Remote must wake an interest in such 
Unprized charms : the world is but an 
Infant yet ; undressed; she's just 
Emerging from the gloom of midnight 
Woe ; while ignorance with hf?r heavy 
Weight, still burdens down her 
Youthful brow. 

The coundess mass which moves each 
Branch of social life, clogs up tlie 
Portals of that mine so richly stored 
With wealth to feed a thirsting 
Craving snind; engrossed with speculation 
For vain wealth, each faculty is dumb, 
Which elevates the mind and plunders 
Ignorance of her prey. 
But still despair should not be 
Felt ; the current may be changed ; 
Cautious, but not idle, we should be 
In telling all that time ill spent 
Should be consumed for better food 



40 

Than folly can bestow ; thougn base 
And low the mind, when once inclined, 
May arm for conquest, and make sure 
The crown which science would secure. 
Hence, how true it is, that he, who 
Spends each leisure moment of his 
Time in rearing teinples fit for 
Science to adorn, increases intellect. 
And shapes and rears a mind 
Far better to engage whate'er may 
Flow or spring from social business 
Life. 

Is there aught in what we've 
Said, which makes mankind a 
Slave ; or wrests enjoyment from 
His days ^ 

If so, what other rule 
Shall we prescribe ? 

If we would speed 
The march of science through the world, 
No other mode, eftectual in itself. 
Can ever be devised but to unloose 
The mighty structure of the mind. 
And move that vast machine in 
Spheres more worthy of its dignity 
And pride. 

How true it is, (though 
We've affirmed this truth before,) that 



41 

Were the mass of Imman mind 
Arrayed in order, with a view to scan 
The aspects wrought within the field 
Of nature's vast expanse, what 
Flames of moral light would 
Burst upon the sight, and soon 
Construct a temple vast from 
Fragments now remote, replete 
With value to our race. 



42 



CANTO 111. 



THE GRATIFICATION OF SCLENTIFIO UESEARCII. 



Behold majestic man ! a compound 

Being from the first. 

His nature, all in all, consists of body 

And of mind, which, each distinct and 

Godlike part is nursed for its pecuUar 

Use, and moves to gratify whate'er is 

Most congenial to its taste. 

First we see an infant race, and 

Mark the time that's sure to bring old age, 

While with it moves a frame that's much 

Increased, and stands a wonder 

Unexplained by human skill. 

At times, we see it physically engaged 

To gratify what seems to be its wants ; 

But soon, how soon, if appetite were dumb, 

And custom made a blank, would man 

Be level with the brute. 

He learns perhaps, the alphabet when young. 

And makes an application, such as 

Theory suggests, but never through his life 



:< 43 

Does knowledge seem to liiiii as vvortliy of 

His care. 

He strives for objects which daily avocations 

Brin^around, and leaves surrounding 

Nature to itself. 

Forsooth he cares for nought except 

What chance ordains and brings within 

His grasp ; no voice that tells of rolling 

Worlds, or tribes which in them live, is welcome 

To his ear. 

But scornful is his brow, bemazed in 

Endless doubt he scorns the road to 

Wisdom, and lives an endless fool. 

Those boundless regions lying in yon 

Firmament, graced with rolling worlds. 

Are thought but foolish whims ; 

Playing with his ease, no thought can 

Turn his steps to wisdom's path, however 

Plain, but all seems alike a blank 

And leafless page. 

His eye may catch the glimmering star. 

And view its kindling rays, but sooner 

Would he wink, than stop for once to 

Think of distance or of height, while 

Gazing on the objects of his sight ; 

The sun is but a torchlight to his path ; 

No relish can he feel for that which 

Hands divine hath wrouo;ht : 



44 



Heedless of the scene which heaven's 
Canopy displays, he counts it but a 
Mantle for the earth on which he treads ; 
The landscape which he views, most surely 
Meets his praise, but still unconscious 
As the brute, no thought of Him who 
Formed the paradise he sees, can rouse 
Him to exalted praise. 
He finds it pleasing to the eye, 
And fain doth rest content ; of new 
Discovered facts which science doth 
Embrace, and all that bears 
Improvement on its face, he thinks 
In common with the brute. 
No pleasure can he reap from intellect 
Refined, or benefit derive from 
Knowledge that's sublime. 
But the custom of his fathers is the 
Thing, however inconsistent or absurd. 
How true it is that minds when thus 
Corrupt, can never reach sublime 
And noble objects such as grace 
And cheer the scientific mind. 
They feel no pleasure such as 
Cultivated minds enjoy, nor can they 
View immensity at large, and say- 
That Deity is wise. 
But blhid from birth, they barter 



45 

Thought away ; and leave themselves a 
Prey to superstitious notions, and 
Foolish apparitions. 

No facts or arguments of weight can prove to 
Such, their faults ; but they swear till 
Affirmation makes us doubt that truth is 
False ; so on we move by slow degrees, 
Though onward with a martial air, till 
Every movement makes a charge to rout 
Such foolish whims, and rear what 
We term science in their stead. 
Conceive the man, whose mind doth 
Flash the lightning of substantial 
Thought, what noble feelings he can 
Boast, to which the former are but dead ; 
Numerous and extensive are his thoughts, 
While new and distant worlds 
Present their varied aspects, strange 
Indeed at first, but stranger to the 
Ignorant mind. 

He marks the ponderous stream which 
Time supplies, and counts each flood 
Which flows her bold and ample 
Shores, not even casting out the first ; 
Passing down her foaming tide he sees 
Each flow and ebb ; from distant ages 
Down till now no gathering storms, or 
Hostile foe, which breathes destruction 



46 

Through the world, can pass without 

A thought ; he sees the mighty rise and 

Fall ; and views the conquering 

Chieftain clothed in habiliments of war ; 

Pie thinks of blood and carnacre which 

Have flowed, and wonders not that Empires 

Have decayed and nations gone to wreck ; 

His searching glance perceives terraqueous 

Globe ; however numerous may her changes be, 

One look, one thought, arranges all. 

Continents, Islands, Oceans, Rivers, with 

The mountain's towering peaks, are pleasing 

Objects of his thoughts. 

There's nought in nature now, too hard 

For him — he mounts volcanic peaks and 

Lists with pleasure to the howling thunders 

Heard within — and sees the flamini? 

Lightning bursting from its mouth — 

And views the red hot lava rushing 

Down to seek a pillow on some plain below. 

Behold him musing in the social circle 

Of his home ; no wintry blasts which 

Howl wiih fearful strife without, can 

Turn his thoughts ; he thinks, though far 

Away, yea thinks of numerous tribes which 

People earth, and laws which govern each ; 

While quick as thought he turns from 

Laws, and thinks of nunnerous cusloins, 



47 

And religions so peculiar to each race ; 
While wandering o'er the plain he grasps 
Eternal nature at a glance, and 
Hastes to tell the hidden process in 
Each plant, that each may know the 
Better of their use in nature's vast 
Expanse. He grasps the microscopic glass 
And views what seems an unknown world ; 
Earth, sea, plant and tree seem all a 
liiving mass. Though strange to ignorant 
Minds, such facts as these, can never lie 
Concealed while science is a theme tliat 
Wakes the vigorous mind, and lifts 
The veil from beauties most sublime. 
Thouffh darkness cast her withering]; shroud 
Around, the man of knowledge, when 
Intent, may trace huge globe while flying 
Through the depths of space ; and counts 
Her speed a toy in confirmation of his skill ; 
He needs but ply his glass to bring most 
Distant worlds to view. 
With ease he wings his way through 
Space ; and marks the time of swiftest 
Orbs-; and views the aspect which relates to 
Globes ; he scans the moons of Jupiter, 
And Saturn's belted ball ; and marks the 
Order of them all. 
Stupendaufj ring, cricB he, revolving with 



48 



Majestic ease around a globe, and 
Graced with stars which shine with radiance 
To adorn that mighty world. 
But farther still may he advance ; not 
Even half the truth has yet been told ; 
See him measure distance far and near, 
He passes on and leaves both sun and 
Moon behind ; and quick as thought he 
Moves the veil, and sports with systems well 
Arranged, though wheeling like the globe on 
Which we live, and much more distant 
Than the sun or moon ; how quick the 
Eye a perfect view doth take and mark each 
Law which governs all, however distant in 
Yon space. 

Who can tell the far surpassing joy of minds 
So well adorned. 

If happiness and joy be seated in the 
Mind, or counted as the workings of its 
Powers, if numerous objects range within 
Its view, expanding daily from the scenes 
Of beauty which adorn immensity at 
Large, how far advanced is he, who 
Marks sublime displays which tell 
Mankind, that hands Divine hath 
Wrought each wonder that he sees 
Around, abroad, and up, though far 
Extended in yon distant space. He sees 



49 

Almighty power well arrayed, and 
Knows at once that he's advanced as 
Far^beyond the ignorant, and the low, 
As they hold rank above the brute. 
Forsooth each branch of rational thouirht 
Inhales emotions pleasing to the mind. 
How often do we greet new objects which 
Arise, with warm emotions, such as we 
Would fail in effort to describe : 
Yea, objects new and wondrous in 
Themselves, though bidding explanation at 
Our hands. Hence we are taught to 
Shrink from nothing by the way, till 
Truth ordains and proves us right or 
Wrong ; experience is the better school ; 
Thou£!:h first we're iojnorant of the 
A. B. C, yet perseverance makes us 
Learn (though not from books alone, 
Except the ample sheet that nature 
Doth control) what wiser heads might 
Agitate in vain. 

A gentle taste for knowledge, and deeper 
Powers still for acquisition, do hold in 
Part, the throne of every human mind : 
Omnipotence, indeed, is here displayed. 
While planting deep what seems a wish 
To know the cause of each effect. 
There's pleasure too, seen hovering 
3* 



50 

Round each curious object in our path : 

While prompt as any feature of the 

Mind, it points out wonders far 

And near, and makes creation, 

(That grand and perfect chart,) 

The record of His ways ; while each 

Progressive step unfolds sublime 

And noble truths, and tells 

Mankind how much he stands the 

Subject of Jehovah's will. 

How oft we find fictitious tales the 

Subject of men's thoughts ; unguarded 

In their minds, how cheerful they 

Can sit while poring o'er some foolish 

Bream, which when recounted, only 

Tends to curl the brain, and mar each 

Thought of solid worth. 

If knowledge be the gem, let fiction 

Be consumed by firm and wholesome facts ; 

And soon vast universe will teem 

With observation, while her wonders will 

Secure ten thousand times more 

Pleasure than fiction can array. 

Drink deep the scientific draught 

And stimulate thy searchings afier truth ; 

View o'er eflfecis from gravitation which do flow, 

Contemplate rivulets confined, with mighty rivers 

As they flow, and let each cataract which roars 



51 



Bespeak a principle sublime. 

Conceive the mountain's solid base, and 

Ocean's surest bed, and tell the human 

Race, that gravitation ceasing would 

Hurl them through most distant voids of 

Space. 

How gently falls the rain which waters eardi ; 

And dew which freshens every plant ; 

Disorder nowhere interferes in nature's vast 

And complicated spheres. 

But order reigns throughout ; 

Worlds on worlds their wonted course pursue, 

While sun and moon (those gems of earth,) 

Return to run their trackless rounds 

Through heaven's broad highway. 

What then can please a being more, 

(Possessed of powers such as man,) than facts 

Which touch the secret spring that moves 

Creation's vast machine, and well define 

The means by which the God of nature 

Brings about designs. 

How delightful is the path that leads 

Through nature's field ; each recess, there, 

Completes a world, and points the traveler 

To such means as bring to view phenomena 

Most sublime. 

And thus it is, Jehovah spreads His 

Wondrous works before our view, demanding 



52 

Not a brute's unconscious gaze, but deep 

And gravest thought, in viewing o'er witli 

Sacred pleasure grand results of wisdom, 

Boundless in her source. 

View o'er immensity at large, see there, ^ 

The-fairest objects known to man 

Crowned with laurels, such as feed proud 

Science undefiled, how gentle, mild. 

And graceful, doth she shine. 

Planets, globes, and worlds, much larger 

Than our own, when seen at work. 

Each in particular spheres, present . 

No discord in their tread ; but moving 

On, magnificent and proud, bespeaking 

Well the mighty hand that strikes 

Yon hidden springs, and prompts each 

Movement of unnumbered worlds. 

Each truth in combination with Jehovah's 

Will unfolds a rich display, and fills each 

Hear^ with joyous praise. 

Conceive the joy of him who views the works of 

Art and sees the high wrought structure as 

It stands, and thinks perfection far outdone ; 

But wake anew, those passions restless, fierce, 

And ever grasping for more joys, and 

Quick as thought, they glance at infinite 

Wisdom round about, and feel that 

Human heart could never thus display. 



53 

F(jnij, pruportioEi, With each texture round 

About, instil emotions far beyond descriptive 

Praise. The color of each cloud that mantles 

Suinmer's sky, more^ gorgeous far than all 

The gold of earth, bespeaks in part, Almighty 

Wisdom as it is ; pregnant with importance 

To mankind, such studies tend to calm 

The human mind, and bear with 

lMea>nne eacli and every burden, when 

Imposed by dis[)enHalions of Jehovah's 

IMoral rule. 

Behold Omnipotence displayed in 

Every plant and shrub. 

Conceive the merit of each liviuir thinir 

Which peoples air, the water, or the earth ; 

And see how well adapted each to his 

Particular sphere, or mode of life, to well 

Enjoy those wants supplied by power that's 

Supreme. 

How just, that we contentment should evince 

When thus apprised of power that's thus SupremCj 

And ever prompt to make each happy in 

His sphere. 

No poisonous-viper e'er w^ould sting die 

Peace, the joy, or pleasures of mankind 

[f ignorance were dispelled, and 

Cupidity annulled. 

Thhik for once bow faithless man would 



54 

Prove, to charge his Maker with revenge ; 

No slaughtering band Is prompted by His 

Hand ; but all those heaps of slaughtered 

Men, with wrecked humanity at large, 

Cupidity hath slain. 

No mortal combat prompted by his mandate 

Ever issued from His throne ; but each and 

Every precept bears a wreath more splendid 

Than the sun, or that which ever flattered 

Human pride. 

Hence, we see enjoyment spring from knowledge ; 

While unthinking minds are but so 

Many blanks. 

Science gives sweet solace to the rnlnd; 

And shines like one eternal day ; 

Fed with nourishment refined, no wealth, 

Rank, or style, can snatch the prize, or 

Conquer that which gives each thought. 

Each word, or look, a smiling brow ; 

How few enjoy life's pleasures as they are, 

Though long retired from its busy scenes, yet 

Still there seems an aching void which gold 

Or jewels ne'er can fill ; time hath silenced 

Each and every note of praise, and 

Rendered all their burning raptures 

Cold. 

Life's sparkling river rolls with tlireatening 

Aspect on, and still no gleam of hope 



55 



Bids ignorance rest at ease ; unused 

To intellectual treats, or rational thougliC, 

No joys remain for them ; but desolation 

Seems abroad, each movement here 

Or there seems but a pastime for each 

Idle day ; each look a wandering gaze. 

Unconscious of creation's choicest gems. Each 

Idle thought, and gossip of the day, proves 

Well how few the joys they feel, derived 

From thoughts original in themselves. 

Who dare dispute that joys of real worth are 

Emblems of each rational mind, while 

Science fills each void, and gratifies 

Unyielding search. 

In vain opinions clash ; each process, and 

Each motion, heralds well the mighty 

Truth which animates tlie soul, and wakes 

The spirit from its sleeping mood. 

When pleasant tidings drawn from studies 

Thus sublime, shall reach each hamlet 

Far and near, distinction quick will 

Lose h«r sway, while equal rights as soon 

Will lead the way. 

Enjoyment takes its nourishment from 

Mind ; and he who's trained to rational 

Thought, enjoys far more of life, than he 

Who tips the cup of sensual bliss. 

If to-morrow we can greet a change, and 



56 



Find each mind an intellectual 

Prize, how cheerful could we count each 

Dying groan of avarice and lust, 

And talk of conquests made by science 

Of the world. 



57 



CANTO IV. 



PRACTICAL SCIENCE AS APPLICABLE TO THE CfENERAL WANTS 
OP MANKIxND. 



Conceive, if tbought can comprehend, 
That locomotive, made by hands supreme 
Which move vast worlds, and wheels 
Immensity around. 

View well each fine and complicated part. 
And you, to tell the truth, must see 
That human art can never once compete ; 
Though age on age may roll their withering 
Rounds, yet still creation bears no mar* 
That mars the grandeur of her face : 
Her axle, worked from metals well 
Refined, can ne'er diminish by the 
Wreck of time ; though globes may burden 
Every wheel, yet still they sport with 
Thought, and smile at telegraphic speed. 
But look around, where art with all its 
Grandeur stood, and cities teeming- 
Here and there with busy crowds, while 
On yon plains stood firm the thrones of 
Empires mouldering to decay ; 
3 



58 



How awfully mournful is the thought, 
That places once so full of hfe, 
Lie now, like solitary tombs, 
A footpath for each passer by : 
Within each rampart wall a mournful 
Silence reigns ; those prostrate marble 
Piles once stood erect, and graced 
The temples of their lords. 
But now, where now exist those grand 
And towering piles f the answer echoes 
Back, a mournful skeleton betrays. 
Whence, ah whence, originates tbat deadly 
Stroke which stilled those busy crowds ? 
Each place which gave amusement to the 
Throng, presents the solitude of death ; 
The throi^s and palaces of kings arc 
Swayed by beasts, and unclean reptiles 
Haunt the temples of tlie Gods. 
Thus, art like man, seems destined to 
Decay. No human arm can stay the sure 
Result ; but on the wheel of time each 
One is rolled, till life seems struggling 
For the profits of the past. 
Man in ages just begun, launched forth, 
Unclothed in body or in mind, and found 
Himself the lord of nature's rudest state ; 
He sought contentment far and near, 
And grasped whatever instinct taught 



59 

Him were his wants. 

Like brutes, without experience of the past, 

Or what might overtake, he strode through 

Glens and forests deep, with nought to 

Guide except what nature first bestowed; 

Appetite compelled a search for that which 

Might appease. 

Pride and comfort sought a covering for 

The skin ; while love still stronger than the rest, 

Impelled a union of race 

That's proved an increase worthy of a place : 

Experience soon engendered motives 

Pure and vivid, far outstripping discord 

With tliemselves, which must have 

IJurst each link which held the 

Youthful band, had Arction seized the gem 

Which preservation taught 

Must follow every step. 

Conscious of dependence as they were, 

Each one united strength and courage 

With the rest. 

When danger came around, each eflort 

Was for all, and love 

Became the prompter of each move; 

When thus combined to join in life's 

Most pleasing joys, some leisure must 

Have intervened ; forsooth we see that 

Thought was interchanged for thought, 



60 



Willie earth, the heavens, and existence 

Of itself, became a source of wonder 

And of praise. 

Yes, instinct taught mankind that 

Science moved the world. 

It threw at once the vast expanse of 

Heaven's arch within his grasp. 

And taught him well to read 

Yon volume compiled from glittering 

Stars. It taught him well what bound the 

Atoms of our globe, and how each orb 

Was held in steady march. 

Attraction, yes attraction, that law of 

Nature and of universal worlds, 

If once dissolved, earths destiny is told ; 

Ocean's waves must fly in wild disorder ; 

Hocks and mountains heaved from oft' 

Their base, while trees would gather, root 

And branch, and fly through space 

Widiout a helm. 

No longer would the orb of night her 

Ancient course pursue, or planets in 

Their wonted spheres revolve. 

But dashing with each mighty world 

In shattered fragments here and there. 

Nought but desolation and disorder 

Would prevail. 

Suspend the passion love, and earth 



61 

Would 'soon present, nonglitbut 
Congregated hosts with fiend hke venom, 
Spreading far its deathly langs to 
Prostrate every hope of life. 
Kingdoms would be rent, and governniciits 
Annulled, families dispersed, and 
Friendship burst asunder. 
All rules would be suspended ; wlfde wars 
Would be proli-acled, and scaled witli 
Human blood. 

Anarchy would triainjih o'er human 
IMinds, and desolation run like rivers in 
Their course. 

Thank science then for her most timely aid ; 
Though slow in gathering in a. harvest 
Boundless in its wealth, yet still each 
Mile contributes to the general fund^ 
Which sure must renovate a world. 
Mark well its adaptadon to our wants ; 
Art moves on perfected by its well known laws. 
While mechanics prove its usefulness for them. 
No branch of labor but makes 
Improvement with its aid. 
Let him who cultivates the soil 
Make use of scientific means, and soon an 
Increase, doubly great, would spring 
From every source. 
^^o fancy sketch is this, to sting 



62 



And agitate the brain ; but truth in all 

Its strength, and beauty is its gem, 

Adorned by nature, and by nature's God. 

The poet well exclaims 

*' For me kind nature wakes her genial power 

Suckles each herb, and spreads out every flower : 

Annual for me, the grape — the rose renew 

The juice nectarious, and the balmy dew ; 

For me the mind a thousand treasures brings ; 

For me health gushes from a thousand springs ; 

Seas roll to waft me, suns to light me rise, 

JMy footstool earth, my canopy the skies." 

The rolling waves, the sun's unwearied course, 

The elements, and seasons, all declare 

For what the eternal maker has ordained 

The powers of man ; we feel within ourselves 

llis energy divine : He tells the heart 

He meant, He made us to behold and love what 

He beholds and loves ; the general orb of life 

And being ; to be great like him, 

Beneficent and active. 

Mathematics is a well known theme 

That's worthy of pursuit. 

No just conceptions can be made 

Of vast and countless hosts that people 

Worlds, and move within the limits of 

Jehovah's realm ; no limits can be fixed 

To earth's enormous bulk without some aid 



63 

From mathematics well resolved. 

We see stretched far before our view, 

Magnitude stupendous, with spaces 

And distances so vast that calculation 

Fails, and ofuimes leave nought but 

Vague and doubtful truths. 

Systematic truths can never be too much 

Adored. 

No human mind can ever be content to 

Think tliat God's creative power lies confined 

Witliln this liule globe. 

Not so, but systems, millions, which arc 

Ranged wliliin our sight, are still but mites 

When once compai'ed with myriads 

kScatlered tlirough Immensity at large ; 

Where is he who dares to doubt that such 

Conceptions lack for proof. 

Can man conceive beyond vvhat God can do ? 

Nothing but quite impossible is hard ; 

He summons into being vi^ith like ease 

A whole creation or a slna;le icrain : 

Speaks He the word, a thousand worlds are born ; 

A thousand worlds, there's space for 

rvJillions more. 

And in w4iat space can his great fiat fail ? 

Condemn me not cold critic ; but indulge 

The warm imagination : why condemn ? 

Why not indulge such thoughts as fill 



64 

Our hearts with fuller admiration of that 

Power, which gives our hearts with such high 

Thoughts to swell. 

Why not indulge in His augmented praise ; 

Darts not His glory a still brighter ray ? 

The less is left to chaos, and the 

Realms of hideous night. 

Replenish mind, for knowledge is a food 

That's nourishment to all. 

Drink deep the draught of astronomical 

Surveys, which mai'k the distance 

And magnitudes of worlds bequeathed 

To universe at large ; sublime and 

Noble, far outstripping every science yet 

Within our grasp. 

It brino;s to view sublime and countless 

Worlds adorned with splendor ; and 

Accompanying trains which niove without 

Confus^n or delay; displaying in their ])ump, 

Jehovah's mighty arm, energy, and force : 

Enlarged are views which spring from 

Sources thus sublime. 

Creation's vast extent with all its marshalled 

Ilostg, are better known than when a 

Midnight darkness shadowed earth, in 

Ages long since past. 

Earth is but a grain, when compared with 

Bodies ushered on throughout immensity's 



65 



Domain. 

Worlds on workls exist, ten tlioiisand 

Times more bulky ihan our own ; 

While lie, who moves with golden .splendor 

Through the day, shedding light and 

Comfort round, can measui'e arms with 

Globes a million times more huge 

Than that assigned to us. 

Speed with all its mighty force, congeals, 

Compared to bodies filling space. 

No mind but what's astonished and 

Amazed ; it sees and knows that 

Globes exist beyond the computation of 

The mind, their course, a course through 

Regions far, to which no human mind 

Can fix a bound. 

How vast the field spread out before 

Our view ; eacli moral agent there 

Beholds a mirror, transparent, 

Reflecting attributes Divine. 

Astonishment may w^ell lay hold, when 

Facts develop every law, and laws which 

8eem to govern man, as well as 

Nature's universal plan. , > 

In vain are human ills ascribed, as ^some JncL. 

Would please, to strange mysterious gods e'^V 

Though ofttiiiics subject to the raging 

Storm, and made- the subject of superior 



G6 



Rules, yet still no blinJ fatality destroys ; 
Swayed by nature's laws as firiii as these 
Which move creation rounds he stands a 
Wonder to himself, and counts thaf 
Common source from which both good and 
Evil flow, the very essence of his life. 
Mark well the compound of these laws ; 
And study thine own nature as it is ; 
And that of those with whom you join 
In every turn of life, and you, the 
Better judge, must learn the source of 
Evils as they flow, and learn as well, 
The antidote for each. 
That God who formed both globe and 
Earth, formed man, who stands the 
Lord of every species on the earth. 
Essential properties bestowed on each. 
Became the law of every step ; 
Forsooth He thereby formed a regular 
Order for each cause, as well as 
Each eflx3Ct ; hence, fire moves with 
Rapid strides, and leaves an 
Impress of its speed ; while air 
Buoys lip, and proves elastic in its 
Every state. 

Density of eardi, with each and every 
Grain, however small, as well as every 
Law which governs in its place, must 



67 



Be preserved. 

But man, proud man, avoids each 

Fatal stroke ; because of what be sees, 

And what be feels. 

Endowed wiih god-like nature as be is, 

Each action hurtful to sensation bids 

Him turn away, while that which pleases. 

Prompts him to advance. 

Drawn at times within the vortex which 

Destroys, and then again allured to that 

Which soothes, he grasps the boon which 

Seems the harbinger of life. 

He marks the order of each step, 

And learns from instinct as he dwells, 

Thatlove, and joy, together with aversion 

To each pain, are laws imposed by 

Nature's purest code ; and still like those 

Of motion in each moving world, 

Are but illustrations, marking well 

Each stage of human life. 

Such, and such alone, is man's 

Condition on the earth : 

Not alone exposed to nature's warring 

Elements, but evils numerous haunt 

His every step ; and mark, if ere 

Proud nature seems severe, again 

She's mild, and seems indulgent, 

Tempering evil with equivalent good, 



68 

She holds the poise, aial grants the 

Balance to each case. 

He then who censures nature's finn 

Decrees, Is but a novice, trained fron^ 

Choice. 

Standing within grasping distance of the 

Poise, his destiny is his, if fortune smiles 

Or frowns, he reaps alike the harvest 

Of his day. 



G9 



CANTO V. 



SC FENCE AS TENDINCr TO DEVELOP THE CKARACTEil AND AT- 
TRIBUTES OF DEITY. 



How far from east to west ? The lab'ring eye 
Can scarce the distant azure bounds descry; 
So vast, this world's a grain ; yet myriads grace 
With golden pomp the thronged etherial space. 
How great, how firm, how sacred all appears ! 
How worthy an immortal God; whose works be- 
speak 
Omnipotence Divine. 

Each word, each thought or deed, with every 
Mite wliich fills creation's space, 
Speaks forth Jehovah's mandate : proving 
Well, that each event, or each specific thing, 
Springs fresh from His decrees. 
No vain or surplus structures seem 
To intervene, but all is worthy of the 
Strictest care, lest man mistake the 
Truth, and count it but a vision dreary, 
Unfitted for a thinking mind. 
How slight the knowledge we possess of 



70 

Him, whose footstool is the earth ; 

While, with like ease, He makes assembled 

Worlds the record, and the store-house 

Of His wants. 

No finite mind can ever solve siicli 

Essence as Divine. 

Revelation but alone can give, 

With scenes in universe around, that 

Lio-htninc: Hance which searches out 

Jehovah's mighty will. 

Each moral trait, like justice, mercy, 

And the like, are marked more 

Fully in that volume termed the 

Revelation of his will ; while nature 

Leaves obscure such traits, and makes 

A doubtful ray from which to form 

An impress of His v^ays. 

The attributes most natural to Himself, 

Are, goodness, wisdom, together with 

Those vast omnipotent displays which 

Draw the mind away, and waft it 

Up on golden pinions to the skies. 

Hence a combination here seems wanting, 

Lest the structure fail to be complete ; 

No one, distinct, can light a proper 

Torch to search the records, written full, 

Throughout the empire of Jehovah God. 

He who forms opinions truly just of 



71 



Him who ma'de, and Him who holds 

Creation in His hand, must study 

Sacred writ ; and view His vast 

Material works, which hear with certain 

Weight in illustration of His word ; 

No slight, or careless view seems fitted 

To unfold such ample truths. 

That savage stare which marks 

The ignorant mind will not the 

Problem solve ; but penetrating thought 

Must search, and search by light which 

Science hath diffused. 

Those works more fitly termed the 

Works of God, demand a deep and 

Serious thought ; or far from right 

Conceptions will we form, when viewing 

O'er his purposes so great, and 

His character so pure. 

We find imprinted on his works, (when 

Viewed with proper care) a portrait of 

Desion. 

Nothing but perfection can we find; 

Hence we attribute it to God ; and 

Estimate His character sublime : 

He who's unaccustomed to adore, or 

He, whose mind cannot divine those 

Laws which work and move creation round, 

Can form but vague and \veak ideas, 



72 

When nature's creed lies spread before 
His eyes. 

He thinks the earth a solid mass, 
With water in the midst ; 
While sun and moon, and stars, 
He represents as passing round to please 
His taste, and light the earth from which 
His nourishment is drawn. 
'Tis true such vacrue ideas of God's 
Material world, (if such could be 
The case,) might well nigh shock the 
JMind, and make it stand amazed at 
Power thus driving worlds with lightning 
Speed, around the little globe on which 
We live. 

Strange would be our thoughts of Him who 
Reared a structure thus confused ; 
At once we'd form ideas the most distorted 
Of His wisdom now so comprehensive and so 
(:Jreat. 

'Tis true His omnipotence would increase 
But His wisdom would diminish in 
*JPffect. 

Each rational mind will see at once, 
That such conceptions, charge Jehovah 
With superfluous works to bring about 
His great designs. 
But grasp the light which science hath arousedj 



73 

And look around through nature's vast 
Domain, and see if each, and all of 
His constructed works, doth not repel 
The charge. 

Each one can see that nature's object is 
To bring about both day and night ; 
Surely then if order would prevail, 
The earth itself, must roll around like 
Globes much larger in their bulk. 
How vastly different then, are notions so absurd 
As those which move the whole creation 
Round, and make this little globe or 
Earth, the target of their sport. 
The man who thus presumes to think or say, 
Can form but slight and narrow views of 
Him, whose wisdom oversees 
The whole department of His works. 
Suppose the earth stood still, a fixed 
And solid mass, the aspect of those moving 
Planets now so far away, would prove a • 
Series of irregular curves, and spread 
The solar system out, a complicated 
Thing. ^ _ ,^ 

No order would prevail ; but confusion 
Would destroy all harmony throughout; 
Hence the truth, that nature viewed 
Through ignorance, or with careless eyes, 
Obscures that wisdom now Divine ; 
4. 






74 

And thus would give His character 
The He. 

But give to nature what we term its 
Proper course, and well may we exclaim 
Thy works are perfect, Lord, Jehovah. God. 
Let him who thinks the earth the 
Largest body filling space 
Arouse from stupid thoughts like these, 
And learn as quick, that his conception? 
Fall as short of Him who formed both 
Man and earth, as those which make 
The earth the most stupendous globe. 
Far outstripping each that fills to 
Him yon seeming empty space. 
'Tis he, who's sane of mind, that knows 
(If he would form conceptions just of attributes 
Divine,) a corresponding view must sure 
Be had with that which taught us of 
His empire's grandeur and extent. 
How truly science leads the way ; 
While observation draws us on, and 
preads out nature in its proper 



ight. 



It feeds the curious mind, and draws it 

For away amongst Almighty problems 

There to trace those wonders fully grown, 

And all so beautifully displayed. 

Those truths which science prints on every page, 



75 

Are rays, celestial rays, which spring 

From fountains rich to light the human 

Mind with knawledge of that God, whose ways, 

Though ways mysterious they may he, are 

Just and true, pointing out His will more 

Fully in the revelation of His word. 

If we would comprehend His greatness 

As it is, or gain a knowledge of His attributes 

So pure, science and revelation we'll 

Combine, and hence learn his character 

Divine. 

That word inspired as His own. 

Amplifies His character, and settles moral 

Plans. 

Science well explains the revelation of 

His word ; it moves the shroud from off 

His works, and drives that mist aw^ay 

Which io;norance throws around. 

Passing on, it lights us througli the secret 

Chambers of His works, and shows 

Those hidden springs, which toss about 

The ignorant and the low. -^^ 

While changing nature's aspect as it should, -W"^' 

It brings within our grasp those mighly 

Wonders of the sky, and lifts the vail 

From off those laws, by which Jehovah 

Moves the, world, and makes it pay 

Due homage to His will. 



76 



Hence extra effort should be brought 

To search out causes still unknown, 

That each may learn to form more 

Just conceptions of their maker God; 

Science proves harmonious order to prevail ; 

It shows no discord, where observation 

Ever yet has reached. 

So justice then, compels us to conclude 

That all is ruled by power ali-wnse, 

As well as single, and alone. 

We look abroad on each surrounding thing, 

And find one law that governs all ; 

Each thing preserves its regular course, 

While cause produces each effect; 

Vegetation springs alike from each peculiar 

Source, while brutes are reared 

Each like from like ; and pass aw^ay 

To prove a corresponding law. 

Man though noble far above the rest, 

Lives, and moves, and acts, but still 

Those laws which govern all, seems not 

Unmindful of the noble prize, w-hen 

Man is seized, and made to mingle 

With the dust. 

The elements around bear marks of wise 

Design ; fitted, each and all, as they most 

Surely are, to make man's happiness 

Complete, 



77 

How true the logic then, where such 

Resemblance is complete, that all must 

Spring from one, the same, and God-like 

Source. 

Tiiose plants and herbs, 'tis true, which 

Nourish some, inflict a wound on others. 

Named a kindred of the race. 

But still we find on looking o'er, a food 

That's nourishment to all. 

Hence the firm belief, that works like , 

These, have sprung from one whose power 

Equals only His almighty will. 

Not only day and night return with 

Uniform career, but seasons, various 

As they are, revolve in strict obedience 

To His law. 

Atmospheric composition is the same 

Whatever latitude we take. 

And heat spreads round 

By none but laws the same ; 

Hence stones will fall to earth. 

And planets roll in revolutions round the 

Sun, while earth presents a solid 

Compact mass. 

No other inference then, can fairly be of 

Truth, but that, which fully gives control to 

God, and makes a single agency in all. 

The more our views extend through 



Universe around, the move we see united 

Operalions through the whole ; proving most 

Conchisive that Cod is one alone. 

Material world presents when science dolh 

Peruse, a wondrous distribution, proving 

Mighty wisdom as directing at the 

Helm. 

Atmospheric properties, such as light's 

Prodigious flight, with its particles 

Minute, and. adapted to the eye. 

All compute the wisdom of their Author, 

And command our adoration. 

No object that we see, within, around, 

On mountain, or on plain ; in air, in 

Ocean, or the sky, but what displays 

The skill of mighty hands. 

How well such facts make 

Proof of knowledge great as well 

As infinite ; stamped so plain and 

Firm upon the face of nature as 

She stands. 

Each circumstance, adjusted nice 

iVnd in its proper place, preserves 

The poise which holds. all nature up ; 

Aiid grants all joy and safety to our 

Race. 

What deathly havoc would ensue 

If gas, what some term oxygen, 



' 79 

Vv a.-3 not so.iiicety portioiiud ji»uud ; 
All nature would arouse 
And heave in wild confusion round, 
While livino- species must but gasp, 
.And moulder in the tomb. 
Substitute a difierence in proportion of 
Those gasses which the atmosphere compose, 
And destruction would ensue ; 
While ruptures would produce 
Most horrible effects. m^ 

Did atmosphere possess proportions 
Like acids we could name, 
All breathing would decrease ; 
And vital energy would 
Cease* 

Each means «eems adjusted 
To its ends ; evincing, as it were, 
That comprehensive wisdom 
Penetrating far through every operation 
And every combination. 
This however is but one, combined 
With numerous cases science takes 
To prove the wisdom and economy of 
God." 

From ignorance of such facts. 
The bulk of human mind is still 
O'ercast with shadows dark ; 
And fail to comprehend the 



80 



'Blessings they enjoy. 

We see the human body, a wonder 

Of itself; the numerous little muscles 

With the bones which form the frame, 

Constitute a problem which science 

Can adjust. 

The ear, a member so essential, 

And so perfect in its place, 

Renders service like the eye, 

That gives us warning of assault, 

While from pleasing entertainments 

Spring their endless joys. 

The world we see seems formed to 

Gratify the eye. 

Hence those fine constructed coats 

Some opaque and some transparent 

Wuh humors different in their form 

While each is formed for each 

Particular use and made to view 

All objects round without a sense of 

Pain. 

Its workmanship is vast ; 

Constructed as it is, the world's a 

Mijror in its view, and pleases every 

Sense. 

It waaders o'er the mountain, and 

The vale ; and catches fertile plains 

As it grasps the mighty ocean ; 



81 

And sweeps the tints of sky ; 

As red, or white, might dazzle that 

Pecuhar vision, the heavens and the 

Earth are clothed with proper hues, 

So diversified with shades, that 

Pleasure is imparted by the landscape 

Which surrounds. 

Sensations thus refined, are not essential 

To existence or to life. 

Vision for self-existing uses would have 

Needed no refinement. 

And thus it is with feeling, and every 

Other sense which human nature knows. 

But where would be the proof too 

Firm to be impeached, of that wisdom. 

Now so great, as our Maker's and 

Protector's seems to be. 

Should we attempt enumeration of 

That brilliant train which sports 

Throughout creation's mighty space, 

Our thoughts must surely fail ; 

Though still a volume we might 

Swell, exceeding far the bounds of 

Proper taste. 

The brute creation, marked widi 

All and each peculiar part, 

Evinces well the great ordainer 

Of their ways. 

4* 



82 

Possessed with forms and muscles filled 

Tp each tribe, which almost dare 

An explanation at our handa^ 

All nature seems alive with numerouFi 

Tribes which move around, differing in 

Their shape and form ; rerfuiring 

Each a different food to gratify 

Their taste. 

Vegetation too, springs forth an emblem 

Proving wi'se design. 

Each root and trunk, with branches 

Leaves and skin, bear marks no less 

Of wise design, than veins which 

Feed each spreading branch, and give a 

Lovely hue to all connected with its 

Base. 

We see the 'trepid oak standing 

Firm the summer breeze, 

And welcome to its embrace ibo 

Winter's fiercest blast ; 

Its strong and steady branches 

All seem strangers to defeat. 

While it proves itself the lord of 

Nature's plants. 

A train so numerous as the plant, 

Marks well the chieftain, who commands 

Each size, each height, each leaf; 

Some large, with others small, 



83 

Astonish mind, and prompt mankind, 

Through every chme to bow in 

Adoration at their shrine : 

Those numerous flowers, dressing every chme 

And every field, speak forth in 

Wisdom's voice, and point directly 

To a source divine. 

The various species differing far in 

Form and hue, assume a garb 

Peculiar to their grade ; while 

All is marked with wisdom brilliant. 

And with care. 

Some are stately as to size. 

And seem to reign with kingly 

Pomp, and sway the sceptre o'er the rest ; 

While others creep in simple silence 

Round, and seem to blush when'er 

Thev're seen. 

Such however, are no less to be 

Adored, than those possessed of 

DazzUng hues, which sparkle forth their 

Brilliant rays, to droop, decay. 

And die. 

Microscopic search when moved 

To lift that scroll which darkens 

Natural eyes, unfolds astounding facts ; 

And proves beyond a doubt, that 

Plain distinctions do exist between 



84 

The great and small that breathe the 

Animal life. 

Analogy seems scarcely to exist 

To prove connexion with these 

Different grades. 

Common thought suggests that 

Different laws sustain so marked 

A difference as seems here displayed ; 

But truth and reason say, 

That man and brute receive 

Sustaining care from laws which 

Correspond. 

Amazement seizes every nerve when 

We attempt that expedition leading through 

Creation's animated field ; 

When thus engaged, we seem like 

Wanderers in another w^orld ; 

New scenes astonish every step. 

And place before our view a 

Race, which supercedes all calculation 

We can make. 

All shapes, all forms, we know exist, 

But sdll by far the greater part 

Is yet to be explained ; for aught 

We know will so remain, for ever 

Hid from mortal eyes. 

Each pond, each ditch, each river. 

Sea and ocean, holds its numerous hosts 



85 



Exceeding far conception or belief; 
They move and breathe while motions 
Such as they display seem each a 
Motion made by efibrts of their own. 
Shrewdness too seems lingering with the 
Race ; while fondness for those joys 
Association brings, they seek like 
Man, those cheering groups which give 
Both life and comibrt to their 
Days. 

Forsooth, we safely can affirm, that 
Beauties do exist concealed from 
Natural eyes, exceeding far the visible 
Econom.y of God. 

How far beyond the range of microscopic 
View creating power thus enlarged 
Extends, no mortal mind can know ; 
We see when magnifying powers are 
Increased, more numerous objects 
Round, but still no glass has ever 
Yet been made to search the boundaries 
Of creation out ; hence, reason says, 
That none can search the living mites 
Which people every realm. 
But still how vast must be conceptions 
Formed from what we see and what 
We know of wisdom that creates ; 
No task that seems too hard ; 



86 

Worlds are moving round, and 

None can tell for what ; 

Each part seems wisely made, 

Though man cannot divine. 

External nature viewed as with the natural eye. 

l^resents most numerous scenes ; 

The mountain's ranire with summits 

Towering high ; the hill and plain, 

The waving curve which smiles o'er every 

Landscape round, with oceans. 

Lakes, and rivers swift, extort 

Unbouaded praise ; whilst different 

Shades, and different hues, 

Astonish all, and please the eye of 

Each beholder. 

But pass the eye to regions in yon 

Firmanent, — it scans not only grand. 

But numerous hosts, amazing to 

Behold. 

The sun is found diversified with 

Spots, and shapes that differ 

Each in size, as well as in 

Spheroidal shape throughout the 

Solar system vast ; 

Their atmospheric nature with 

Those numerous moons surrounding 

Centres, stupendous some, and 

Differing all, but, each a world 



87 

Which stands a wonder and a 

Praise. 

Could we but wake transported to 

The surface of those orbs, 

Prepared to know and understand, 

What vast and countless beauties 

Should we see ? 

The mind can scarcely comprehend 

Such workmanship 

As there must be portrayed ; 

And where is presumption that 

Caa doubt, from infinite nature 

Such as God assumes ; while still 

There's other proof that each can 

See, that vast arrangements 

Far surpassing what we see, 

Complete some mighty plan 

And furnish seeming empty space 

With that which only could 

Complete and make her 

Household full. 

The moon, that next most useful 

Orb, presents a surface vastly 

Different from the earth ; 

Its gentle rays give each a 

Welcome to behold ; 

That rivers, lakes, seas, and 

Oceans great, do not encumber 



88 

Or diversify its atmosphere 

At all. 

Though mountains, plains, bill and vales, 

With insulated rocks, and caverns, 

Forming every size and shape, 

Seem .there to have a place. 

Yet still they, differ far 

From those in our terrestial 

Sphere. 

Their grandeur far suipasses that 

Of which our earth can boast 

Though a proper contrast we must 

Fail to make. 

Yet still it's reason to believe, that 

All tlrose worlds which grace 

Immensity of space, bear marks of 

Different structure. 

Which makes it logic to conclude, 

That beings forming different ranks, 

And different orders, do inhabit different 

Globes. 

What else but huge conceptions 

Could we form of Him who made 

The whole, could we survey a portion 

Small, of nature's universal 

Plan. 

Views which grasp this universal plan, 

Expand conceptions formed, of 



89 

Character Divine. 

Creative power vast, is there displayed 
Which far outstrips the comprehension 
Of a finite mind. 

Survey the globe on which we dwell ; 
Consider each enormous mass 
Distinct and by itself; 
Like continents, islands, with 
The vast amount of water in each 
Seii, each ocean, and each lake, 
With mountains towering high, and 
Rivers rolling rapid in their courses 
To the sea, and amazement will 
Lay hold when reflection doth record 
The greatness of His majesty who 
Formed. 

But lift the eye to yonder arch, 
Behold those globes which seem like 
'Specks on heaven's vault. 
Yet still contain more matter real, 
Than worlds a million times 
The bulk of this our own. 
Those comets too, though less in bulk. 
Which move throughout the depths of 
Space, awake us from our 
Slumbering mood. 

While stars which stud the milky way 
Proclaim such numbers, 



90 

That we are left coiifoLinded, 

And deprived of thought wlierewltli 

To form a proper view. 

Such scenes display a boundless wisdom, 

So essential to control 

Not only laws which govern all, 

But vast dominions seem spread out 

Which need protecting care. 

Imagination strained to its most 

Lofty flight, must fail in Its attempt 

To grasp the splendor of those worlds, 

Preserved and made by one 

Eternal King. 

Each motion of material world, 

And every movement, breath or 

Thought, which passes through unnumbered 

Minds, seems present to omniscient 

Eyes. 

All, yes all, seems destined to complete 

And aid the purpose of 

Almighty will. 

Hence while science moves us 

Through the depths of space, 

It tells of justice, wisdom, mercy, 

And the like, and bids each one and 

All to think of power that controls, 

And heed its never-erring voice. 



'Jl 



CANTO VI. 



SCIENCE AS TENDING TO THE ADOPTION AND PROMULCATION 
■ OF MOIIAL nUNCirLE. 



The mind can scarcely comprehend 

Intrinsic worth derived from knowledge 

Well refined. 

It brightens every hope ; and cheers 

That gloom which chills the soul 

And spreads a curtain dark as 

Midnight's cheerless rays o'er every 

Hope of life. 

It moves with promptness far away * 

All darkness brooding o'er the mind, 

And cancels every fear which seems 

The offspring of romantic dreams; 

Unloosed from chains which hold in 

Bondage every thought, it searches 

Every work, and drives each superstitious 

Trait from oft its noble realm. 

How quick it nerves the mind, 

And v/ell develops intellectual thought, 

V/liile with each and every move, 



92 



Some proper object points to 

God. 

Again, it nerves the mind to proper 

Zeal, directing eflbrts to adorn 

Not only some, but all, who form the 

Compound of our race. 

Knowledge too, spreads out that scene. 

By which all nature shows herself 

Sublime. 

And sure while thoughts accrue 

1 hus pleasing to the mind, 

Much higher joys seem kept in.store 

Than those indulged by ignorant 

Stubborn minds. 

Correct ideas must spring from 

Thou2;hts arranged in re^-ular 

o o o 

Train. 

No discordant notes seen crushing onward, march ; 

But all is ranged to speed 

The car, which bears a message 

Fit for morals, pure and 

Vivid. 

He who seeks to know the truth, 

And learns its outline marks. 

Makes very soon its application to 

His works. 

We scarce can find a failure of 

The rule, else we mistake, and 



93 

Count what's fiction, real. 

He who errs, in conscious knowledge of 

The same, outrages nature such as 

He assumes ; and wars with 

Feehngs far advanced, while 

Anguish reels, and twists his conscious 

Fault in double force, with that 

Applied to minds now revelling • 

In the halls of ignorant 

Glee. 

All virtue dates its source to knowledge 

Well refined. 

Could we deduce from other sources 

That which seems sublime, 

No other cause could be assigned 

But such as have their base in 

Habit or the like. 

Hence no fears need be assumed 

That virtue will decrease, if 

Knowledge rule supreme. 

He who loves the race mankind, 

Cannot a belter effort bring, than that 

Which tends to rear and spread 

The truth that wisdom would 

Bestow. 

How true the fact, that ignorance 

Moves the demon ihat destroys ; 

It prompts the barbarous warrior 



94 

To revenge, and makes malignance 
Virtue, to adore. 

It drags the widowed mother to the pile ; 
And slaughters new-born infants to 
Appease. 

The captive from the battle-field is 
Made the sporting mark of venom 
Unrestrained. 

Can horrors thus detested be the truth P 
Methinks there's none who 
Can deny, and none but who agree, 
That ignorance prompts the whole. 
Indeed we see most reckless folly- 
Spread around, disgusting even each 
The better feelings of ourselves. 
The extortioner seems a stranger to 
Remorse, while he crushes honest labor in 
The dust. 

Forsooth he seizes on the chattels 
Of the poor to gratify his lust ; 
And makes the tears of orphans 
Swell extorted gain. 

He stands, indeed, by some called great 
And shrewd, but we affirm 
That this is all but true, 
Aye indeed, he's ignorant of himself; 
And what is more, and worse than 
All the rest, hp has no thought of 



95 



Moral worth ; but lives a brute detested 

By the world. 

Mark the midnight revel, and the 

Boisterous throng ; 

Smell the curst perfumes exciting riot 

And dismay ; 

See the rabble thus engaged, destroying 

Every object in die way, and hurling 

Brickbats here and there, as if 

To prove, that all the knowledge they 

Possess is rent in wild confusion through 

The air, to bid defiance to the 

Law. 

Such men as these possess untutored 

Minds, wild and nigh disordered ; 

It would seem parental efibrt 

Never deigned to give reproof, or 

Point out paths which wisdom doth 

Adorn. 

'Tis true that crime and vicious deeds 

Draw strength from ignorant minds ; 

And hence, if knowledge were 

Insthuted, crime must be decreased, 

And virtue supercede in proportion 

To effect deduced from every cause. 

Moral worth cannot be known 

Unless the facts deduced are drawn 

From logic true, and based on 



96 



Knowledge firm and plain ; 

Knowledge true, with thinking habits 

Firmly based, imparts to each a knowledge 

Of himself. 

It leads the mind to sit in judgment 

O'er each deed, and hence 

Instructs us in a knowledge of 

Ourselves. 

He who would correct his failings or 

Defects, must sure possess that gem, 

The brightest star which lights the 

Path adorned with virtue's golden 

Crown. 

Man designed for higher spheres 

May well examine every step, ^ 

And mark his conduct as he dwells. 

If brutish lusts alone controlled 

His life how great the void would 

Seem. 

No ties would bind or cheer him 

In declining life, or from his 

Childhood up. 

He ne'er would think that vice 

And folly would destroy ; 

No voice would bid him turn away, 

But on he'd rush, and rush with 

Headlong folly to indulge ; 

The secret spring of every act by 



97 

Him performed, would be of 
Sensual kind. 

The prospects fair of those who 
Might surround, would be to 
Him a grudge, while desperate 
Efforts would ensue to spread 
Destruction and affront ; 
But thanks to science, such 
Disorder can't prevail. 
Some indeed may be entwined, 
But others more advanced 
Examine well, to know if moral 
Worth is based on factious 
Schemes, or reared from vice 
The mother of reven2;e. 
Let each bestow a glance on self, 
And soon he'll understand, 
That pride is not the gem 
Which braces up, or makes the worth of 
Man. 

He looks abroad, and well exclaims 
That putrefaction breeds in 
Filthy flesh ; and still that each is 
Small, when brought to vie 
With vast creation's nunnerous 
Train. 

Mental thoughts will soon convince 
That self possession must control ; 
5 



98 

No disorder or affront will be of use 

To brutalize the man ; 

But standing up the prince of every act, 

He knows that he controls, and 

Hence his passions bear a check. 

Unclothed with selfish glee, 

He makes allowance for the wrongs of 

Such who chance to err; 

The ignorant mind cannot examine self; 

No train of rational thought seems 

Ever to arouse, but settling back he 

Seems a tainted mass confirmed in 

Haggard thought, and drowned in 

Brutish lusts. 

If ignorance be the spring of folly 

And of vice, let us sweep it from the 

World, and substitute a knowledge 

Counteracting its effects. 

All, 'tis not supposed, can accomphsh 

What we'd wish, but a proper train 

Of thinking for self-examination can 

Allotted be to all. 

So sure as man possesses an immortal 

Seed within, this truth will prove 

A burning light, and renovate the 

World. 

Clear and comprehensive views 

Would ferret nature out. 



99 



And trace each moral action 

To its source. 

A man possessing knowledge that's 

Refined, is a jewel that outshines ; 

And candor makes him fitted to 

Elect. 

He views each action that's remote 

As well as those that's near, 

And makes the choice which wisdom 

Would suggest. 

He knows the world looks on, 

While deeds by some committed 

E'en make captive millions, 

Forming ages yet to come. 

Some indeed seem trifling in themselves, 

But when they're traced remote 

And near, they're found destructive 

And corrupt. 

The man who's versed in knowledge, 

Though it's not profound, if he possess 

A moral foresight based on proper 

Grounds, may trace each action 

And each object to its 

Source. 

How well can he apply and trace 

Those general laws on which are 

Based all moral deeds ; 

Each circumstance, or act, he clearly 



100 

Understands. 

He views the past and present 

With an eagle eye, and hence 

Predicts the future from the nature of 

The case. 

Let principle control if moral in its 

Self, and strife will be expelled* as 

Contention is subdued. 

Kindness and affection will unite 

And make the brotherhood as one, 

Peace will be the daughter giving 

Nourishment to ?ife ; 

While wars would be suspended 

And harmony prevail ; 

Could moral worth be thus instilled, 

What vast advantage would accrue. 

To art and science and each thing 

That man could wish to make 

Improvement in his mind, 

In promoting morals thus refined 

How great the strife ; a strife 

Indeed that seems as great with 

Moral as with intellectual mind ; 

That selfish pride, ambition, envy. 

And the like, rears a breast-work 

More complete to check the growth of 

Scientific truth, aye, even more than that 

Which springs from force, or any other 



101 

Source. 

But were such ruthless traits destroyed, 

And those of gentle worth confirmed, 

How smooth and graceful each 

Would seem ; while, on the world 

Would move, with union, smoothness, 

And delight, surpassing all that 

Man has realized as yet. 

It may in truth be said that 

Men of knowledge, genius, and the 

Like, indulge with much more 

Freedom, and success, in reckless follies 

Which disgrace. 

But hold, will truth affirm that 

Men like these possess a knowledge proper ? 

Not so, the most essential part 

Seems left a void ; 

They read with ease the Latin, and 

The Greek, but yet no fruits of 

Moral worth spring up, for want of 

Lessons from the proper source ; 

The moral law is but a stench to 

Them, while violation seems no 

Crime. 

The guilt though, but a pleasure 

Far more deathly than the plague. 

Is 'kin to all that spreads destruction 

Through the world. 



102 

It comprehends all meanness we could 

Name, and settles down, the climax of 

Blasphemous pride. 

Degradation flows from reckless wrongs 

Like these, and works ingratitude 

The worst ; while he who made 

x\nd formed, is treated like the 

Brute. 

What emotions it excites to see mankind 

So base. 

Bowed down a slave to cursed wrongs. 

He worships all, but that, which tends to 

Make him noble. 

Stocks and blocks with pictures 

Made in image for Divine, 

Call forth his praise, and chant 

Deliverance from his wrongs. 

No thought of Him whose depth of 

Wisdom man cannot expound ; or 

Him, who spake that worlds might 

Spring from out the voids of space, 

And wheel with rapid speed in each 

Appointed sphere. 

Let folly thus presumptuous rule the 

World, and deeds of every hue 

Would mark the face of open 

Day. 

Forsooth if moral law had 



103 

Been a blank, what cruel misery 

Would prevail. 

Contention, strife, and pagan rites, 

Would seek the sacrifice of sons. 

While marble blocks, the gods of 

Each, might stand erect and court 

Each evil deed. 

Why should man mistake the 

God of heaven and of earth ? 

His mind 'tis true was shocked by 

Adam's fall, but we can scarce 

Conceive why brutes, and stumps of 

Trees, should be the God which moves 

The world, or Him who's worthy of 

Each praise. 

We see both kings and princes, 

Heroes, poets, men and women, young 

And old, the slaves of Idols 

Made of wood and stone ; 

Which makes us blush to think, 

That we are part and parcel of 

The same. 

Let man return to paths from 

Which he's strayed, and learn 

The songs which science fain doth praise, 

And soon the ponderous bolt, 

And hugely creaking iron door. 

With clanking chains, and hand-cuffs strong, 



104 

Will cease their galling work, and 

Peace will smooth each heaving 

Breast, and make the world ii 

World of joys. 

Those haunts of riot and dismay 

Would lose the captives of their 

Choice, and victims of seduction 

Would reform, and ahate that 

Wretched storm. 

No slanderous tongue, or secret 

Envy, would destroy with lying 

Falsehood, now so keen in spreading 

Huin 'moDgst mankind. 

Indulge this truth for once, and 

He who travels day or night. 

Is well secured from prowling 

Thieves, or midnight robbers, now so 

Numerous and so bold. 

Each one would seem a friend 

Though midnight darkened every step ; 

No heartless plund'rer would insult ; 

While revenge would cease to be so 

Rife. 

That stately pride, and lofty sneer 

Which hurls contemptuous pomp around, 

Would vanish like the dew : 

Ambitious conquering chiefs would 

Stop their carnage for a throne, and 



105 

Rights of men would be secure. 

The warrior's notes would be a blank ; 

While swords constructed to destroy, in 

Ploughshares would be wrought : 

That scourge that's drenched the 

Earth in blood, and heaved each 

Nation from its base, would seem a 

Deprecated thing. 

The trump that sounds alarming war 

Would fail to send its piercing blast, 

As telegraphic lighting would stop invading 

Foes. 

Those wolves in human form who drink 

The blood of nations and of men, 

Would cease to suck the pap ; 

And live a blessing to their race ; 

No instruments of torture would be . 

Reared. 

The stake, the rack, the knout, and 

Lash, no more would cut the 

Culprit's back, or make his sinews 

Bare. 

Cannons, guns, and swords, would cease 

To give employment to the mind ; 

That system too, which blights the 

Hope of Afric's sons, and curses this 

Our boasted freedom's land, would go 

From whence it came. 



106 

Witli emetics thus complete what havoc 

Hell would make, no effort would 

Be spared to cleanse its demon 

Cells. 

E'en the christian church, devoted as 

She is to vileness thus corrupt. 

Makes merry of her rule ; 

No seeming difference is remarked, 

But hand in hand she moves, 

And counts the statute, lord of 

All. 

Each legislative act, seems made 

To strike the fettered bondman 

Down. 

He cries and weeps for that 

Which most have gained ; but 

Freedom no-where gives him rest, 

Unless, some drift perchance might 

Leave him on Victoria's soil. 

No kindly office seems performed, 

Like that ascribed to one 

Who moved but to excel. 

From realm to realm with cross on crescent 

Crown'd. 

Where'er mankind and misery are found, 

O'er burning sands, deep waves, or wilds of snow, 

Mild Howard, journeying, seeks the house of woe ; 

Down many a winding step, to dungeons dark 



107 

Where anguish wails aloud and fetters clank, 

To caves bestrewed with many a mouldering bone, 

And cells whose echoes only learn to groan ; 

Where no kind bars a whispering friend disclose, 

No sun beam enters, and no zephyr blows, 

He ^treads un-emulous of fame or wealth, 

Profuse of toil, and prodigal of health. 

Leads stern eyo'd justice to the dark domains. 

If not to sever, to relax the chains ; 

Gives to her babes, the self-devoted wife ; 

To her fond husband liberty and life. 

Onward he moves, disease and death retire, 

And murmuring demons hate him, but admire. 

Here a sample we have brought. 

Which moral science well may claim, 

And true it is, when worth like 

This abounds, the world may boast 

Of safety and of light. 



108 



PART 11. 



SCIENCE APPLIED. 



Strange that minds on this dim spot, 

Where toil and perspiration seem the 

Mortal lot, can trace from motion's simple 

Laws, the secret hand of providential care ; 

Scarce a vestige of the universal frame seems hid, 

But stretched with brilliant lustre out, 

She greets each scientific step, and bids 

Her spread perfected knowledge of her 

Ways. 

Gradual, though with sure success 

She found the powers of gravitation 

And projection first, in moving round 

Stupendous globe. 

Then bursting still more brilliant forth. 

She takes her flight on silken 

Pinions far, and grasps each star 

That studs the blue arched vault. 

Mind seems anxious to progress ; 

Impelled by vigor natural, keen and sharp, 

Improvement follows every step : 



109 

It seems created to enjoy, as well as to engage 

Hence, the search for kindred ties. 

Which cheer the human race. 

Active in its youthful state. 

It ofttimes bursts parental ties 

And roves through foreign climes ; 

Each scene increases new delight, 

While naught can satiate thirst 

That longs to drink, to drink the 

Wine content. 

Heedless of each danger which awaits. 

The Alpine scenes of nature draw away, 

And smooths the boisterous sea, 

While opening wide the cavern's mouth. 

It smooths the path, which leads to each 

Volcano's flaming fount. 

Fatigue and peril no more daunt the search ; 

Forsooth the sovereign science hastes to 

Make a firm digest, and hastes as soon 

To furnish new, indeed, some wholesome food 

Which gives a lasting vigor to pursuit. 

Numerous are its objects and its ways ; 

Vast globe shuns not pursuit, but 

Scanned with eager eyes, and fast 

Increasing lust, it bows and bends 

With oceans, islands, land and sea. 

Before her fast propelling schemes. 

Each bulk, or weight, with shape, and speed, 



no 



With equal ease is made the captive 

Of pursuit. 

In truth, earth's bowels, as witli 

Ocean's most extremest depth, 

Lie not without the pale or reach of 

Scientific thirst. 

Atmosphere with ease surrenders each 

Component part, while howling thunders. 

With lightnings fiercer flash, make haste 

To hurl the fatal stroke within the 

Reach of scientific grasp. 

The laws by which each planet moves. 

As too with weight, and bulk of distant worlds, 

Make haste to render up, and quick 

Attribute that, that's proper to 

Confer. 

These fine constructed hairs, in which, suspended. 

Hangs creation's scroll, seem classed with ease. 

When science skillful, to the natural eye brings aid; 

Such aid indeed, that flickering stars 

Seem globes, or worlds of vast extent. 

Celestial motions, are but sporting toys 

With which she plays with ease. 

Revolving periods, with eclipses, 

Distance, and extent, seembut on furlough 

Pledged, and pledged to render up 

Each secret they entail. 

It seems, that naught can be exhumed 



Ill 

Except the sovereign science claims the sire ; 

From mites the smallest that 

Imagination can suggest, 

To ponderous masses, burdening ocean's 

Waves. 

Those up and wide spread wings 

Seem spirits from some other world ; 

Undaunted by the hideous storm, 

They ride triumphant on, while 

Well each step, or place is known, 

Though thunders roll, and vivid 

Lightnings spread their flaming 

Sheets around. 

Time, forsooth, seems overcome ; 

The fast propelling car puffs forth 

Her smoke, and moves with active force, 

While science rich, with wings as 

Swift as thought, completes the compass of the 

Globe. 

Each hemisphere may speak, and speak 

With magic thought, the tongue of 

Other climes. 

A moment scarcely intervenes while 

Lightning hurls each message on, and 

Renders up the charge. 

Well then may we exclaim, that 

Science quick lays hold on uniyersal 

Worlds. 



112 

She dives to depths beneath, and 

Climbs the utmost summit of the sky ; 

.Those regions lying in yon distant space 

Are drawn with ease to hold communion 

With mankind. 

Each hill, each rock, or plain, which 

Fill surrounding worlds, speak forth design. 

A proof indeed, that science, strengthens 

Still more firmly plans and causes strongly 

Based, and based by Him the first 

Great cause of all. 

No secret binds her zeal, but laying seize 

To every complicated thing, she buftets 

Storm, and triumphs with a skillful hand. 

Vast cities smile with recent joy. 

While lightning like illumination cheers 

Their every street. 

Indeed she sports with air, and draws 

Therefrom essential warmth. 

The hardest stones, with metals massive 

And compact, give way, and run like 

Lava from volcanic gulfs. 

The fearful lightning, from the dark and 

Boisterous cloud, is held in subjugation to her will. 

Her finger high, projecting from the ^ 

Solid rock, stands up, a beacon 

Beckoning on, the fearful stroke 

That hurls in fragments each and 



113 

Every thing- on which it lights. 

Its penetration launches forth, and 

Almost daily brings improvement on its wing. 

Where once the putrid marsh, or 

Desert vast, seemed hid, or stilled in 

Deathly silence fast, we next see 

Splendid, cities reared ; while lofty 

Columns tower high, a grand memento of its 

Bud, that blossoms like the rose : 

Fleet as time she strips the past, 

However recent or remote, and grasps 

It as a gem. 

With penetration far exceeding yet, 

She moves beyond the curtained vault, 

And ranges unknown worlds. 

With ease she overleaps and leaves 

Swift time behind, to feast on scenes in 

Future yet. 

It might to some seem strange, that mortal 

Minds are thus endowed. 

Enlarged conception, such, or near the 

Like, mature from research, application. 

And the like. 

1 ake a mind the most profound, and 

Still you find it unappeased ; 

Its greedy longing knows no bounds ; 

The more it drinks the more it craves ; 

And sooner sees that time clips short 



114 

The journey on, and proves the infant 

State of mind. 

As with craving mind, retains and 

Holds with equal strength, the numerous 

Topics which engage. 

Constrained to onward march, perfection 

Seems its aim ; while torch on torch 

Reflects the light, which endless time must 

Roll amidst. 

Can reason once assume, that almost 

Mighty mind, must be confined, or 

Smothered deep by time, and crashing 

Worlds ; the poet well exclaims, 

*' Say, can a soul possessed 
*' Of such extensive, deep, tremendous powers, 
*' Enlarging still, be but a finer breath 
" Of spirits dancing through their tubes awhile, 
*' And then forever lost in vacant air ?" 
Forsooth 'tis none but such as grasp at 
Straws, and know no infinite wisdom that controls, 
Who thus act short that brilliant star. 
And compass round a midnight gloom. 
While priceless gems seem glittering yet 
To feed a longing thirst. 
Why that vast acquiring mind, if 
Man be formed for brutish 
Ends ? 
The great constructor saw, and knew his wants, 



115 

And hence with wisdom each was formed, 

Adapted each to each^ with partial 

Care. 

Man with ease and comfort moves, 

And gains promotion in proportion as 

He learns. 

His nature physical, moral, or inert, 

Improves with wondrous speed. 

He who firmly thinks mankind like 

Vapor lost in air, may think with 

Less restraint, Jehovah wise beyond the whole, 

Inferior to himself. 

But he who fainly gives and grants 

Control supreme, must feed on thought 

Which clears the mind, and bids it rove. 

For endless time shall greet its 

Every nerve. 

Such deductions seem of truth 

When man's engagements are reviewed; 

Confined on this dim spot 

To toil, and hardship, each and every day 

Such seems a barrier firm, 

Preventing vigorous thought where 

Thought should be bestowed : 

The numerous mass of human kind 

Are moved by double ties to brace against, 

And counteract life's numerous evils, 

Which abound. 



116 

Their natures must with food and 

Raiment be supplied, which all in all, 

Makes double proof, that some 

Must hunger still, and hunger on, 

Till wafted through to other 

Climes. 

Man, though brilliant, gay and stern, 

Possessing all that makes complete, 

Seems here to propagate his race ; 

In short his days seem fleeting and replete, 

Yet still he passes off, to give, or 

Make surrender to his heir 

His place ; his sterling worth seems 

Left for conquest, sure to follow 

In his train. 

Long before perfection nerves his 

Nature up, he's stricken from 

The stage. 

Not indeed like brutes, for they, in every 

Sense, leave marks of final rest. 

No stern, expanding God-like mind 

Implanted by a hand Divine, seems made ; 

And made to answer such designs ; 

The author e'en himself, could not 

With pleasure recollect, or view, such 

Useless short-lived things. 

What use indeed, those brilliant thoughts, 

If death must darken every hope ? 



117 

Why that grasping, longing wish, if far 

Beyond there seems no bahn to 

Give relief ? 

Forsooth, as sure as wisdom boundless 

Lights terraqueous globe, so sure this 

World is but a chart, directing on to 

Distant and eternal day. 

Those hosts which pass with rapid strides, 

(Though increase fills a double space>) 

Seem here to learn, and learn alone. 

The first important strains which charm 

Them on to realms of endless day. 

Who that looks with candor on 

Himself, but what's astounded and 

Amazed ; 

Each views with pleasing sense 

Unbounded treasure couched within, 

While virtue, knowledge, and perfection 

Reign, and shine without, when 

Passions base, unloose their strong 

Control. 

How can bounds be fixed to stop 

Imagination as it roves? 

That endless course which space has 

Opened wide, attracts the mind 

Elastic, grasping, and refined ; a proof 

Indeed that man is destined to 

Progress. 



118 

Were this secluded speck, or globe, 

With spaces which surround, naught 

Else but immense voids, no lingering 

Strangeness would surround, when 

Man cut short his time, and made 

The tomb his resting place. 

Forsooth when years have rolled in 

Scores away, and locks drenched white 

With care-worn search, while search 

For new and cheering scenes hath failed 

In accents to bestow, mankind might 

Well exclaim, life seems as yet, one tedious. 

Dark, and dreary stream. 

Compelled to look, and look to see the same, 

While each attempt to traverse o'er unwonted 

Scenes, would only be the same. 

No grateful feelings would accrue 

But sameness would destroy, and 

Make each human mind a restless 

Putrid wreck. 

Indeed its sprightly flaming glow 

Would languish into gloom ; 

While progress up, and on, would 

Sicken and decay. 

The vast surrounding void would 

Seem a worthless blank, and fail 

To give impetus to his zeal. 

How cheerful then, the thought 



119 

So rational of itself, 

That earth is but a grain ; 

While myriads more exist, which run 

With ardor on. 

Vast planets traverse space, whilst science 

Points them out. 

Their magnitude and bulk exceeding even 

Earth, which dwindles into naught. 

Their difference seems adapted 

To their place, while various are the aspects 

They display. 

Indeed there's none but what's replete, 

Whilst others are encompassed, with 

Beauties most sublime ; 

Enticing to the mind, they quickly render up, 

And grant with freedom's lease. 

Possession of their stores. 

Man's views scarce centre in this globe, 

A globe that's sereless, and a seeming mite. 

Those brilliant stars which light the 

Realms of space. 

Seem each a centre vast, around 

Which worlds revolve. 

In looking out when evening tide hath 

Cast her shadows o'er, and 

Flitting clouds seem all dispersed. 

Those systems come in thousands, to adorn 

And grace the voids of space ; 



120 ^ 



Pursuing on, the brilliant glass 

Increases far, and still unfolds 

E'en millions more^ which seem with 

Strangeness to exist. 

No doubt can then be entertained. 

That, scores on scores exist 

Which human eye can never reach. 

Bounds cannot be fixed ; 

Or none can fathom w^isdom great. 

Whose depth and length encompass 

Space around. 

Ages such as man can scarce compute. 

May roll and roll away. 

Yet still man's mortal mind may 

Sport and sport with scenes 

Anew. 

Endowments vast replenish human minds 

That God, who gave, and richly stored. 

Fore-knew the value of the prize ; 

Its searchings deep exhumed the magnet 

Wheeling earth, while planets' bulk 

And size, seem but to charge it to 

Be wise. 

Moved on, a genius from the first, 

Inventions follow every step, while 

Each renews and adds reward ; 

Concealed in space remote, 

Divine design seems firmly thus 



121 



A foretaste to confer. 
As such to man seems double strength, 
E'en though it be in wandering o'er 
The fields of space. 
One glimpse of wide creation's traia 
Enkindles fresh delight; 
As effort triumphs by degrees, 
It moves to seize, and seize the scroll 
That darkens worlds whose suns seem 
Twinkling from afar. 

What numerous thoughts expand the mind. 
When worlds and systems pass before, 
High suspended, seeming on a hair; 
Yet still, they call around reflections deep^ 
As each may think, that people 
There exist. 

The query may go round, (exciting though it be,) 
If rank and grade amongst them 
Have a place f 

Indeed, their laws, their habits, 
May be sought, with moral, social and 
Religious caste. 
Duration saw, and marked this 
Fabric huge, which counts existence not alone, 
Complete, but from arising growth, 
To its perfected state. 
It spoke forsooth, will this expanse 
Forever roll, or will it roll with 
6 



122 

New accessions to its train ? 

Let reason give its firm response 

When queries thus important rise, 

Each one a system may adopt, while 

Worlds on worlds seem rolling on, 

And mind with mind seems 

Interspersed. 

Farther still might queries be renewed, 

Though queries they must be ; 

Till vast arrangements are complete 

How thick as yet the mist 

Which penetration seeks to move : 

O'er-burdened with its eares, 

Each new accession overwhelms. 

And breeds astonished doubt. 

A scene so vast that none can comprehend, 

Awakes each sleeping mode, 

And tells mankind, that ages. 

Such as he with numbers can't compute, 

Must roll, and roll away, yet still. 

The height and depth, the length 

And breadth of yonder realms. 

Must lie a secret to be learned. 

How certain then, if man be destined 

To eternal sleep, that saddening thoughts 

Must flow. 

His expectation to improve, and learn 

Still more of nature, and of nature's God, 



123 

Must die and end, a vast mysterious 

And eternal blight. 

Mind seems more endowed, than 

By a single longing wish ; 

It grasps with fondness each retreat, 

And holds in view indefinite scenes. 

In truth vast space is but its proof, 

That sure perfection is its God. 

He who seems with double knowledge 

To be graced, full well believes, 

And knows as well, 

That portions, far exceeding yet. 

Might be by him attained. 

Transport the mind to Saturn's belted ball, 

Conceive the splendor of its rings, 

While moons augment each wonder 

That's displayed ; 

Instill the laws by which its people may 

Be ruled, and measure each pursuit 

Though far beyond what custom might 

Establish as its own : 

With ease, in proportion as he treasures 

Each event, though common to us all, 

Would each peculiar thing be noted 

And retained. 

Transport angelic hosts from worlds 

Ten thousand that abound, 

With charts, and znaps, 



124 

Describing customs, laws, and dispensations that 

control ; 
And exists an ample scope 
For each remaining message to be 
Told. 

No sane or stable mind 
That dwells for once intent-, 
That thinks, bright knowledge now possessed, 
Would be displaced, though worlds on 
Worlds should fast bestow 
E'en wealth, which each contains, 
Elastic and complete, no task 
That seems too hard. 
Why set bounds to intellectual thirst, 
If mind be destined to survive. 
And leave this mortal frame 
Behind! 

Reason speaks for all, that knowledge 
Such as here's attained, is trifling 
And minute, when contrasted 
With the future and sublime ; 
Haste then to banish fancy sketches 
From the mind, and forfeit each 
Assumption that science is a theme 
For present speculation, and destitute of 
Future application. 

Why this structure with its train of worlds 
Alone f what vast displays seem gushing through, 



125 

And stirring quick the finite mind ; 
Joy and comfort compass round ; 
A proof indeed, that nature feeds with 
Cautious care all human wants ; 
Jehovah needs no train of worlds on 
Escort of inferior minds ; 
Infinite, and still the God of all 
From first to last, 
He stands exalted far above, 
While naught can e'er approach, 
Except what seems, and is, of perfect 
Bliss. 

How firm then is the fact. 
That immense worlds, which pass with ease 
And swiftness through yon space, 
Are just but grand displays of 
Nature infinite, and disposed 
To pour indulgence on each offspring's 
Head. 

Think, if millions of those hosts. 
Which sail, to us, an unknown sea, 
Can entertain a mind eternal from the 
First. 

The same from first to last, 
Though countless ages wheel anew with 
.Changing signals at each point; 
This globe seems reared a cabinet 
For the mind, while reason fails to teach 



126 

That this vast structure, so complete 

Can stand or e'en exist, while minds 

For whose indulgence it is reared, 

Must sleep, the sleep, which some call 

Sleep eternal. 

Are rational minds imbued with thoughts 

That disappointment is the mortal 

Lot? 

Think not, that. He who formed 

And cherished rational hopes, 

Would blight a budding longing 

Wish. 

Design is justly from his plans deduced, 

While viewing close the splendor of 

His works. 

If not, those facts which are accessions 

Almost daily to our good, 

Might well have been withheld ; 

Though each proclaim a foretaste of 

Decree. 

That brilHant light which science sheds 

Abroad, could ne'er have roused those 

Active springs which seem ir^planted 

To arise, and rise aloft, to sport 

With worlds around. 

Indeed a power vast must lufF 

The helm, or else the present stag^ 

The tempest sure would hurl. 



127 

And hurl the ship midst gloomy 

Shoals. 

Hence that grant which seems 

Exciting new desires, 

Augmenting still, contentment lies afar, 

While naught can satiate thirst 

Which longs for truths remote ; 

Soaring still away, those trains of 

Thought must wing their flight 

Till every secret through the realm, 

With each design, from one Divine, 

Be made to light the 

Mind. 

Strange indeed, would be the God 

Who spread in part, his works to view, 

Sporting with the mortal mind ; 

How quick, and justly too, 

Might each accuse, and charge 

Deception to his ways. 

But naught hke this appears, 

While justice is embodied in 

His plans. 

It seems his firm design, that mortals 

Should refine. 

Endowed with comprehensive minds, 

'Tis proof that they excel. 

And vastly over-climb the wandering 

Brute's estate. 



128 

For granted then the fact, 

That such exalted cares would 

Ne'er have been conferred, lest man 

For splendid purposes was made; 

And made exceeding to adore, 

How vast the field o'er which grave 

Science doUi preside. 

Let him who would exhaust Its source, 

Ileinember well, and count its sweep 

As final and complete : 

Scarce a space seems left where 

E'en a critic keen could enter on a 

Selge. 

It brightens social life, and grants 

A joyous welcome to J'epose ; 

All sexual ties seem cheered anew 

And haste vviih increase to supply ; 

Exalted high affection flows with 

Speed, while trade and commerce 

Thrive afresh. 

College schools with magic wonders 

Which prevail, bear proof of progress 

Fast emailed ; while village towns, 

And cities vast, give good 

Response. 

The field, and vineyard, 3s with 

Commerce far and near, betoken 

Praisg, while welcome on, proud science 



129 

1 brighl 
Whole expanse. 
Bright and cheerful all appears 
Where'er her lens reflects its 
Light. 

Indeed there's genial spirit known, 
And known to every clime, while 
Such in truth breathes 
Wholesome air, which gives to 
Science proper care ; 
Subvert this source of healing 
Balm, and transformation would 
Destroy. 

Dissolved as every tie would be, 
No cheerful accents would 
Bestow, but gloom and darkness 
Fast would flow. 

Improvement melting quick away, must 
Carry down, and in its course, 
O'erwhelm the whole, and drive 
Progression from the world ; 
Each mind a fearful wreck would 
Be, v;hile naught but spectres 
Would pursue. 
All confidential care would be 
Annulled, as peace and friendship 
Would decay. 

No care to comfort in distress, or 
6^ 



/ .1 



130 

Hands to help when danger iwined 

Around. 

How fearful such effects if left 

To sway the world. 

Such scenes as yet seem partial 

In the world, though inroads plainly 

May be seen. 

A plundering system seems in vogue, 

That dares with fury to attack ; 

While e'en at times, success 

Attends, and robs mankind of sweet 

Repose. 

How slight our condemnation of 

Such wrongs. 

Based it seems on artificial views 

A proper censure scarce 

Condemns, at least when justice 

Cries aloud. 

Science smooths what thus 

Imbrutes mankind, and smooths 

With ready skill. 

Tinged with sweetness and command, 

What glorious rays diffuse ' 

Throughout, and light the vast harmonious 

System up. 

The adder's poisonous fangs lie 

Harmless in its lap, while thieves 

And despots, quacks and swindlerSj 



131 

Quick decay beneath its melting 

Genial rays. 

Truths which sceptics long have drowned 

Spring freshly up, and quickly 

Spread a cheerful lustre round 

About. 

Indeed like sunbeams at meridian 

Day, it drives all mists away, and 

Lights all darkness up. 

The human breast seems rankling not, 

As jealous feuds quick disappear and 

Friendship joins mankind 

As one. 

What numerous cares and anxious 

Games, lie fast reposing in 

Her shades. 

Indeed the legal bar, instead of that 

Perjured decript, presents at once a place 

Where justice, unencumbered by 

Pernicious fraud, gives each to each, 

And grants mankind his own and 

All. 

Her fabric firmly based, 

When traced to its remotest source, 

Consists of facts and justice 

Undefiled. 

And well where'er control submits 

Her sway, proud science clears 



132 

The way. 

Where'er restraint seems burdening facts, 

Destruction scarce but seen, 

Distracts, and shakes, and iwists her round, 

That right and justice may be 

Drowned. 

At times there's e'en countless evils which 

Abound. 

Families, nations, and the world, 

Fail in turning back the tide ; 

At times there seems a burning thirst 

That works ambitious minds, 

Restless and contending by degrees ; 

Deceitful schemes and groveling 

Lies cut short all proof of manly 

Ties. 

Unclean from first to last. 

No family ties are sacred kept j 

But each alike, are spurned by such, 

And pierced with pangs of 

Deadly vice. 

Indeed the flame is offtlmes 

Caught by youthful minds, and 

Still conveyed, and lit afresh. 

As strength and age grows 

On. 

Kindling still more briskly up, 

The dreadful scourge contagious 



133 

Seems, as ofttimes nations wield the 

Rod. 

Borne down by monstrous weight 

Vast cities fall beneath, while 

Empires have been sacked ; 

Fields indeed where peace and 

Plenty seemed to thrive, 

Appear as fields of human 

Gore. 

Laud e'en high, if so it please, 

The soldier's daring feat ; 

He moves, 'lis true, with heedless 

Brute hke fury on the foe ; 

Sustained by legislative pomp, 

No force seems equal to engage, 

As freedom's message swells with 

Rage. 

Ambitious to secure, a pretext quick appears, 

Though treaty would delay, 

Remonstrance speaks in vain. 

While condition can't avail ; 

As the eagle seeks its prey, 

No thought but of to-day, 

While dreadful seems the legions 

Which stand in bold array. 

With speed as they pursue, 

Destruction marks the country and 

The state. 



134 

The burnished steel, with rifles 

Primed for six, demand a quick 

Retreat. 

'1 he chilling tales conveyed on autumn's 

Fearful breeze, pronounce depart, 

Lest sounds which each may hear. 

Are sounds of hostile feet. 

Betokening fearful deeds ; 

Mothers shriek, and shriek In vain ; 

While children weep to stop 

The fell destroyer war : 

Fathers raise a sterner voice, 

But each in vain ; while sisters 

Each, and sisters free, 

The one athletic, the other weak, 

Lie weltering in the blood of 

War. 

Dark indeed, are tales which 

History must record. 

In counting o'er America's wrongs, 

She'll find them classed with 

Barbarous hordes, e'en though 

She claims, and holds high rank, for 

Moral worth. 

Who could ask but what might know? 

That vengeance razed poor Mexico ; 

Almost destroyed, and shorn 

Of her domain, she stands a proof of 



135 

Monstrous wrongs ; with widow's 

Groans, and orphan's sighs, 

Dark spots seem such 

When floating high, displaying 

Conquest as a gem. 

Deeper yet, and still more damuhig 

Is the wrong, that chains, • 

Unclenched by savage hands. 

Are sought by freemen to impose 

And curse again the land 

Which long since spued them 

Out. 

How far we might in justice thus proceed 

Repeating wrongs, and foul disgrace, 

Each one may judge from records 

Ready typed. 

Inherent, or contagious from the first 

Our country freely diinks, and drinks of 

Others wrongs. 

She, with each and all, a grasping 

Arm doth wield. 

Though wisdom bids her cease, and 

Seek for virtuous peace. 

Reverse such brutish freaks, 

And scarce but peace prevails ; 

Give science her command, and 

Smoothly rides the bark ; 

Ambition spued without. 



136 

Leaves restless care behind, and 

Sinks malignance down ; 

Study deep the truth, and 

Wonder at the prize. 

Stately and sublime it's reached 

But to be wise. 

Who is he that says mankind is unprepared 

To cultivate and keep his 

Morals clean ? 

Restrain with proper care 

Each passion, with desire ; and 

Cultivate contentment, the 

Precious gem of all; 

It renovates the mind, and 

Dries the deluge up ; while its 

Properties to charge, are purely 

Heaven's joys. 

Born, not creatures of a day, each 

Thought, each act should leave, 

Unblemished moral worth. 

Seeking every clime, virtue should be 

Taught, and darkness made a 

Stranger to the world. 

Thus resounds the chanting song. 

The song indeed which science 

Sings. 

From thence, her mission still proceeds, 

Though vastly higher in its sphere, 



137 

It moves, an escort and a guide ; 

E'en, though it's destined far beyond 

This mortal stage to ride. 

Unfolding earth's enormous bulk 

She takes eaeh object and each thing, 

With oceans, islands, lakes, and 

Seas, with caverns deep, and mountains 

Burning, indeed to force, and force 

She does, a truth concerning all ; 

Tremendous is the arm which brought 

Existence forth. 

It wields not only earth, but space 

Leans firmly on. 

All, and siill far more than man can see, 

Seems sporting like the eagle's flight; 

High })erched, no eye can reach its source ; 

But firmly fixed, Jehovah's comprehensive 

Grasp encircles every mite ; 

Astounded with pursuit, science still 

Draws us en. 

Each measurement renewed, betokens 

Special praise. 

While globes which float around 

Diminish eaith's renown. 

Surpassing earth's enormous bulk, the 

Sun excels, and far outweighs the 

Host combined. 

His genial rays, impress the splendor 



138 

Of his ways. 

They reach forsooth to planets far, 

While Herschell's moons each clay partake, 

And as with earth, each day 

Rejoice. 

Here the mist seems gathering deep ; 

Just entering on to traverse space, 

We scarcely know, or comprehend 

The field, o'er which we've roamed. 

But science bids 

And we proceed. 

In journeying on, we leave behind the 

Solar system vast, and pass to 

Scenes midst heaven's arch : 

Hio-h w^'oudit imagination reels, while 

speeding through these distant fields, 

Far, far away, a message hurled on 

Lightning's train, would fail in years. 

Though scores on scores renew. 

To reach her distant realms. 

Apparrelled rich resplendent globes 

Enhance surprise, while worlds 

Accompanying each, instruct us to 

Be wise. 

Deep planted in the strange abyss 

Huge bodies roll, known e'en prodigious 

As to size. 

Compaeting as to bulk, with earth, 



139 

The nearest star refulgent shines, 
Though by its native light. 
Who then from reason seeks to 
Doubt, that such are scenes as 
Spacious as our own ? 
A centre each there's not a doubt, 
While heat and light dispense 
Therefrom, which cheers and lights 
Revolvino- worlds. 

o 

When storm and cloud leave clear 

The evening sky, what hosts 

Amaze the naked eye. 

E'en millions can't compute 

The far exceeding matter they contain ; 

The solar system dwindles to a speck, 

While human fancy shrinks 

And curdles at the thought. 

But such, howe'er so great the 

Numbers be, form not a thousandth 

Part. 

Science still accompanying in pursuit, 

Progresses onward yet : 

She takes the spacious glass and 

Brings in numbers vast, surpassing 

All the past. 

Thousands now o'erwhelm the sight, 

Where scarce before there seemed 

A light. 



140 

Indeed one hundred millions seem arrayed 

While each in order is conveyed ; 

Yet still, this host of suns and 

Worlds, extinguished seems, 

If reason still prevail, 

When wheeled in contact with 

More distant climes. 

Deep spread, as far outstretched, 

Who can fathom space ? 

How dwells imagination in the deep abyss ? 

It's secret wanderings knows 

No bounds. 

Hurried on, no check retards, till 

Rays of light o'erwhelm as ushered 

From Jehovah's throne. 

Dwell deeply and intent, when roving 

Thus through spacious throngs ; 

Mark well each step, as step 

By step augments alone ; 

For short in numbers must we 

Fall, when we express the wonders of 

Each ball. 

A longing look, with steady gaze, 

Alone bursts through the maze. 

Scene with scene should be arrayed 

While objects great, with objects small, 

Should not unheeded fall. 

Check not the mental process here, however 



141 

Active, or however clear. 

Enhance its speed, and JDrace its nerve, 

Lest from it truths may swerve ; 

Digest each object s6 Light, with prospects 

Which abound, that truths may 

Quick be found. 

Bestow no flitting glance, but dwell 

Intent on nature proud. 

Arrest each landscape far and 

Near, while quick to lakes, to plains, 

And hills, give each its proper 

Sphere. 

Plunge deep to caverns far below, and 

AVing midst cloud and tempest 

As they flow. 

Progressing yet, imagine flight through 

Realms of fresh delight ; 

Inhale what seems in solar system 

To prevail. 

Digressing thence, proceed anew, to 

Roam through realms where time 

And space o'erwhelm ; 

From thence indeed, when sun and 

Moon display but specks, 

Pursue still on, and waft in thought 

From world to world, till 

Boundaries swallow genius up. 

Suspended then amidst expanse, 



142 

Where none can fathom, and no doubt 

Where worlds on worlds continue yet, 

Pause still, and ask who thus 

Presides ! 

High seated on his throne 

Jehovah sits, o'er hosts yea wondrous liosts, 

His mighty arm presides. 

His wisdom, self-existent and supreme, 

Directs without extreme. 

Forsooth, He spake, and all emerged; 

Deep from nothing sprang huge 

Worlds, though some pronounce them 

Quirls. 

Astounding are such truths abounding ; 

Unfetched by finite comprehension. 

They're moved by mighty condescension ; 

How vast the power that is controlling. 

As those worlds keep pace in rolling ; 

'Tis true we see attraction moving all, 

But who gave motion to the ball ? 

Queries thus important rise. 

While man indeed, should 

Solve them to be wise. 

He who's senseless to such truths, 

O'erwhelming and majestic, 

Surpassing e'en excess, (could Hature 

Thus be dressed,) 

Surely seems unconscious, and scarce 



143 

Can comprehend, what seem both law 

And end. 

He who thus presumptuous would appear, 

And keep from view triumphant 

Truths, strikes deep the blow 

Which overwhelms, and drowns 

Almighty rays. 

Bright shining and complete, a 

Proof emerges thence, that God 

Eternal reigns. 

Bestowing hosts not few, which are 

As brilliant studs, fixed firm in yonder 

Arch. 

Far stretched, the concourse is 

Designed to draw amazement forth ; 

Not like such bestowed on laurels won, 

But such as with immortal grandeur run ; 

In vain God's name, as men exclaim, 

Were science beat from off the 

Main. 

Those rays reflecting and augmenting praise, 

Shine brilliant forth ; as each proclaim 

And give bright lustre to command. 

Strange, were such momentous grandeur 

Smothered out, or banished from the 

Pious pale. 

Inroads deep would plainly mark 

Each effort to confirm, as critics form 



144 

And rear bold schemes, to blast 

Religious themes. 

How grand, indeed stupendous, are impressions 

Wrought in contemplations of 

Jehovah's works. 

Commanded high, to lift the eye. 

No savage stare should e'er direct 

Towards the eye. 

Indeed profound should be each thought. 

While observation should be taught ; 

No plea extracted from a proper source. 

Can stagnate such a course. 

That brilliant torch, by which grave 

Science lights the concave arch, 

Impels most speedy march and 

Prompt attention to celestial orbs ; 

He who overlooks, or casts midst 

Dark and dreary shades, 

Reflections thus sublime, 

Would cancel fain 

The brightness of Jehovah's throne, 

That man should thus abridge ; 

Or move to wrest stupendous rays j 

Marks well, intent to lessen 

Native rights. 

In truth a fear seems lingering round, 

Lest mightier far might be the God, 

Or more, lest homage undeserved 



145 

Should be on him conferred. 

Mysterious as his grandeur is 

It wakes throughout, indeed no doubt, 

But firm convictions strongly based, 

That power self, and self-existent, 

From the first controls material 

Space. 

Celestial bodies hurled with speed 

Through spaces undefined, and far 

Exceeding e'en huge numbers to compute,, 

Declares at once, that man, progressing oq» 

And on, to shores immortal, 

Should not with doubtful, or IndifiereHt 

Eyes behold. 

Doubtless, as creation sprang 

With systems vast, and worlds immeni»« 

Replenished too with human minds, 

The great constructor saw, and knew, 

Sublime impressions must imbue- 1 

Indeed, where'er creation is 

Displayed, there, planted deep, ideas 

Expand, though partial, true of nature glorious, 

Ay, infinite and complete. 

Mortal effort, must but fail in grasping bright 

Perfection, seated midst, and compassed 

Round, by light which penetration 

Fails to reach. 

Veiled? a spiritual essence uncreated;. 9.ni 



146 

Unknown, his works display and 

Those alone, the grandeur of 

Himself. 

Unknown by such as from his power sprang, 

He sits secure midst depths of 

Essence his alone ; while vast 

Displays, mark well his arm, and' 

Wield his sceptre's boundless 

Fame. 

** How sweet to muse upon his skill displayed ! 

Infinite skill, in all that He has made ; 

To trace in nature's most minute design, 

The signature, and stamp of power divine : 

Contrivance exquisite, expressed with ease, 

Where unassisted sight no beauty sees ; 

The shapely limb, and lubricated joint, 

"Vyithin the small dimensions of a point, 

Muscle and nerve miraculously spun ; 

His mighty work, who speaks, and it is done : 

The invisible, in things scarce seen, rev^ealed, 

To whom an atom is an ample field." 

How natural then, that each astonished is. 

As discernment reads, and points to 

Him, who planned, and built, and still 

Sustains a world. 

Humbled low, man scarce compares. 

And knows full well. 

That he far short, with nature 



147 

Glides. 

Vivid splendors, as with honors bright 

Bring not contentment right ; 

Resplendent beauties, such indeed 

As space approves, bemean all 

Pampered pride, and strike dismay 

Midst human pomp. 

Yet still though rays of grandeur 

Glide from each Almighty source, 

Proud man's ambition keeps its 

Course. 

Depraved; (though blot the stain forever cut,) 

And why that scornful brow ? 

Why look disdain upon a fellow man ? 

Can such outlive life's lengthened span ? 

Each the same, and each from 

Dust has sprung, as each to dust 

Must go. 

The grave alike receives, while both alike 

There's noisome reptiles waiting 

To destroy. 

For breath and pulse alike dependent 

Each. 

None lives complete, except through 

Aid which others reach. 

Where'er enjoyment seems man's lot, 

It's held on tenure weak. 

Friends and wealth may quick depart, 



148 

While health and beauty fade like art. 

Encircled in the smallest space 

His knowledge is prescribed, and 

Scarce succeeds to guide. 

An atom mere, midst space, yet haughty 

And oppressive to his race. 

Man a tyrant, clothed with brief 

Address, plunges deep his kindred in 

Distress. 

Scarce he comprehends, or faintly understands 

The baser tricks, which draw from 

Angels, tears of gracious weight. 

Ambitious warriors wield the glittering steel, 

While dames of noble birth through streets do 

reel. 
Inflated high they scorn the mass, and 
Fain would use them as if grass. 
Puffed high with vain conceit each smothering 
Thought betrays the truth, and tells of ignorance 
Yet uncouth. 

In fine mankind from first to last, seems 
Fired high. 

Big with selfish pride, he scarce 
Believes that he must die. 
For short such ruthless repine flows, 
As man recounts, and calls the past 
To an exact review. 
Ofttimes humbled in his present state 



149 

He seems almost as worthless freight 

Scarce an atom in the field he's 

Almost lost and stands indeed a speck 

Midst sacerdotal hosts. 

Intelligences, no doubt exist far higher as to 

Rank, than such as this our globe 

Contains; 

Strangers to ambitious lusts. 

This globe and inmates dwindle down - 

Within the compass of a point ; 

Scarce perceived, they're known as mites 

Within the water's drop. 

Endowed with powers of flight, pursuing 

Quick from world to world till each 

Surveyed had been, at least so far as 

Naked eye can see ; 

Then mingling with, and tracing pure abodes, 

Beholding humble praise bestowed, 

Bestowed by all, on mighty 

God Supreme. 

How great the indignation, and how great 

The tremor which would seize, 

When back to earth, our flight descends 

Midst beings deep immersed in ignorant glee ; 

Depraved and heedless, still with high 

Presumption glorying in their shame ; 

Man, not created for such baseness 

To indulge, disgusts the eyes of beings pure, 



150 

And stirs the vengeance of a mighty 

God. 

Indeed, how humble each should prove, 

As science renders plain 

This prison bouse the world, 

Unmasked as if by mighty fiat to convince. 

Man's pride should not resist 

Existing proof ; how vast 

Each handiwork inspires deep, 

With reverential awe, 

Impressions wrought, and stamped e'en plain 

By hands Divine. 

Embue the mind with truth, that 

Each, himself, and ways should know ; 

His works with splendor flow ; 

No mind, but what's amazed, when thoughts occur 

That He who's helmsman, moves huge masses, 

And with speed directs in order, 

Globes through space. 

E*en earth, man's restless and his Eden fair. 

Astounds the thoughtless mind ; 

The mountain's peak ; and levelled plain, 

With waters vast that's o'er the main, 

As thunders roll, and lightnings flash, 

Vojcanic rivers often crash, 

While earthquakes shake, and kingdoms 

Quake, as emblems sure of Him 

Who rides the storm, and 



151 

Him who quick may overtake. 

Terrific, still sublime, the mandate seems 

Decree. 

Jehovah, clothed, majestic, sovereign, free. 

Demands submission all may sec, 

Earth, His wrath makes shake. 

Whilst foeman feels his hate ; 

Hence, how just and right, that 

Nature's volume be perused, 

It's truths sublime can't be 

Refused. 

As exertion grows, improvement quickly 

Flows. 

Enlarging still, let each sieze facts 

Established firm, and facts yet 

Still to learn. 

Pursue through space, and mark the i^^peed 

Of each celestial race. 

Compute the bulk of worlds now 

Sporting in the deep abyss. 

Disentangle from the secret deep, and 

Thereby gain the real prize, 

Exalted high, man seems thereby 

Through other spheres to fly, 

Each view augments his praise, while 

Veneration quick must rise : 

This, however great, falls short of what's 

The proper weight. 



15S 

God, possessed ©f attributes tiftosd, sesmi hid 

la part from human mind 5 

Concealed within his essence purs, 

Such attributes remain. 

His works are not a full display 

While of them mind falls short to 

Say. 

Suffice, that veneration grows, deduced from 

God, and God's own works which flow? 

From hence enlivening hopes revive, 

That man, a resurrection will survive ; . ijL| 

Fixed the period seems to which existence binds, ^^ 

This mortal frame must cease, and cease 

Communion with the boisterous storm. 

Quick snaps the brittle cord, and quick those 

Scenes which to the naked eye were bare, 

Far left behind, meet not the gazing stare; 

Decaying quick, the mortal frame with reason sports, 

And sports with man's conceit. 

Taxed hard, the mind can scarce conceive, 

That beauty, life, and shape, again from 

Ashes shall revive. 

** How vast a power that^s Divine, 
** The wide expanse declares ; 
" Almighty God 

** Has done much more ; nor is his arm impaired 
" Through length of days, and what he can he 
will|. 



P 153 

" His faithfulness stands bound to see it done.** 
He spake and worlds in vast profusion run, 
Forsooth, man counts though done, he's just 

begun ; 
His arm controls, directs, and moves, 
No doubt more worlds, than mortals on this 
Globe survive, or has, or will exist. 
Thence how doubtless then the stately fact, 
'1 hat man again shall be compact, 
Though clouds and darkness hover round, 
Yet still the future none can bound. 
Indeed, that science lights the mind, and 
Lights the future up, no mind can pledge 
A doubt. 

Its track imbedded firm 
Lies o'er a boundless field ; 
Its freightage free, no charge encumbers as 
A fee. 

Gliding quickly on, new scenes of grandeur 
Meet the view ; while bold displays 
Astonish all, yet still how short 
Thev fall. 



154 



MISCELLANEOUS 



THE GALLOWS. 

Why strangle life with gallows ropes ? 
The only heir of human hopes. 
The law, though law alone except by human might, 
In no case justly makes it right. 
'Tis vengeance deep and dark, 
Which thus strikes out the Hving spark ; 
It seeks a barbarous custom to ignite, 
And satiate spiteful human sight ; 
Drawn up, suspended on the murderous height, 
The spirit takes its lasting flight. 
Who then responds, when to the charge 
Grim murder though at large 
Directs to those who bidding draw, 
While each re-echoes 'tis the law. 
How strange that rational minds should thus de- 
duce a plea of right, 
A plea indeed, based on the arm of flimsy might. 
No plea exonerates a single man, 
Altho' from masses sprung the plan ; 



-^^ 



155 

Each one his burden must sustain, 
While voting sovereigns they remain ; 
No law can blend or swallow up, 
Though masses tip the bitter cup ; 
The state controlled by one and all, 
Must by the people stand or fall. 



156 



LIFE'S REALITY. 

Tremendous 'pears the leap, 
As men from childhood peep, 
Deep thoughts ascend the steep, 
While back and up they creep. 

From youth to ripen' d age, 
How changed this mortal stage, 
We pore o'er history's page. 
But scarcely can we gage. 

Sublime responds the thought. 
When youthful scenes we've caught, 
The plan when we were taught, 
Imparts what man ne'er wrought. 

The change with tears we greet, 
While pondering nature's feat, 
We find her not in heat, 
Thouo:h sure with ease'to beat. 

Indeed how changed is each retreat, 
With tearful eye our visits we repeat, 
We haste to take but not an ancient seat, 
Where once reclined our youthful feet. 



157 

With pensive silence here we moan. 
And moan for relics of our youthful home ; 
Where once erect stood high the tow'ring dome^ 
But all has passed without a seeming groan. 



158 



THE WANDERER. 

On ocean's boisterous wave, 
Rides briskly each abode ; 
Abode indeed for those who're brave, 
And those who long have strode. 

How strangely wakes the moaning tear, 
As billows roll and boil the sea, 
Bestirring thoughts of those who're dear. 
While far away their ship doth steer. 

We scarce can think, except we fear 
While tempest hurls and beats the main, 
On which embark bold brothers dear, 
To blot perhaps a direr stain. 

Driven out, far severed from. 
How slow and lonely pass the days. 
With days indeed that's yet to come. 
And shine with brighter rays. 

The hour of parting seemed to me 
Like sundering ties which years mature ; 
But still, however this may be. 
No time, or boon, can truly cure. 



159 

Tossed midst wind and tide, 
There seems as fancy beats the roaring surge, 
A wish to save, and one, that he outride, 
Lest we should sing his funeral dirge. 

Methinks in pity's mourning name, 
That that fair ship with full and fluttering wing, 
Will bear him back from whence he came. 
That he bright joys may homeward bring. 

Welcome then ye breezes swift and fair. 
Render quickly your most welcome charge, 
And bring us thos3 for whom we care, 
Though far at sea on but a barge. 



160 



OCTOBER. 



Portentous hanga the low thick cloud, 
While frightful thunder speaks aloud, 
Bestirring soon that changing shroud, 
Of which dread winter seems so proud. 

October's cold and cheerless blast, 
Plucks beauty from the seeming fast ; 
Midst shrub and plant, we find she's past, 
With rigor stern, and gloom o'ercast. 

How fit a theme on which to dwell, 
As nature lies entranced as with a spell ; 
'Tis true no tongue can of it justly tell. 
Though eyes beheld, as down the curtain fell. 

All dead, how like the mortal sleep 
Appears this sure and annual sweep. 
Its sickle seems as sure to reap, 
As sure as man descends the steep. 

O'ercome, how sad that silent gloom," 
Which quickly spreads midst brightest bloom, 
Its illustration seems a boon, 
Directing thoughts down to the tomb. 



161 

As man from spring to ripen'd age 
Encounters frosts which round him rage, 
He stands indeed a stately sage, 
Till death o'erwhelms and sweeps the stage. 



162 



THE SOLDIER'S CAREER. 

Startling that decree, which bids the soldier on lo 

strife ; 
Advancing quick by sovereign will, he sunders hu- 
man life. 
T'vvere vain that he would spare the dreadful pang, 
While orders reach which from his master sprang. 
Suspended by his sturdy arm, 
That deathly message speaks alarm. 
But lo, remonstrance fails to stop. 
Though meek concession rules his lot. 
Laud high, or as you please, such murderous 

bravery. 
Yet still it seems, and still it is, concocted knavery. 
Borne from realm to realm, what tidings swell, 
E'en though deep vengeance yet, has notbefel. 
The banded host impatient wait. 
To strike the foeman they are bid to hate ; 
Moving sometime slow, then with double speed, 
They rush with fury first to feed, and then 
To line their damning work with spoils of slaugh- 
ter'd men. 



163 



RESULTS OF NECESSITY. 

SUuggling hard on life's tempestuous sea, 
Man first makes choice his course to flee, 
Impoverished though he be ; 
Pie launches forrh, and fain would see, 
Where lies his all, and life's sustaining fee. 
Embarked midst frowns and wearied storms, 
He sinks at times, and thinks despair hath over- 
come ; 
But struggUng still, once more again he rises not 

undone. 
Seizing firm his compass, map and chart. 
With steady aim he seeks the mark ; 
Unbroken and renewed by strength of heart, 
He now pursues by strides of art. 
Fully launched, and well prepared the storra to 

meet. 
He seems resolved the billows to defeat : 
Exclaiming now erect or from his seat. 
Oh cruel fate, how hard thy towering steep 
Upraised ; it seems impoverished lot thy crags to 

leap. 
'Tis well no censure justly o'er thy course befel, 
As man by perseverance must alone excel. 



164 



A TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVE. 

Fathers, how by words can we your valor here ex- 
press ? 
That power unknown, it seemed a magic spell. 
That strength and tact which ye possessed, 
Nerved strong the arm as British records yet re- 

tell. 
Such nameless vigor makes us start, 
As we reflect with raptured heart ; 
No stroke of studied art your secret bears, 
No stern defiance but by ready skill ; 
Though worn and worn by rolling years. 
Yet unimpaired they cheer and keep us still. 
How enchanting by-gone scenes which rise .'' 
The hidden tear breathes fresh each heart-felt 

strain, 
While fancy swift exulting flies. 
Why, that thoughts of mouldering clay with quick- 
ness move, 
The rapture and the woe of other days, 
Whispering mildly yet with piercing rays 
They point away midst Vernon's shades, 
While there entombed beneath its glades, 
Sleeps sweetly both alike, the warrior and the sage. 
Why not while unobserved then, steal a thought 



165 

Of those who have our battles fought ; 

That band that from his orders never swerved, 

AUke with him rests far removed. 

Methinks that on those far and happier plains 

With harps of praise forever strung, 

I see exalted favor'd swains, 

Who first of freedom's measures sung, 

Now watchful and intent, their spirits seek to guard, 

Directing us their offspring on, 

Till we oppression crush, aud slavish freaks retard. 



166 



ODE. 



How dreary mid-winter appears, 
As the sweet warbling sounds 
Of the songster no longer resounds, 
Saluting midst summer our ears. 

On furlough he's bid us adieu, 
While far to warm regions he's gone. 
Gone with impatience, his song to renew, 
VVhilst his, of all others, bright praises imbue. 

Deep strike the deep tones. 

While chanting they only bemoan, 

And tell of cold winter, o'er which they would 

groan. 
Because of a truth, it drives them from home. 

How long they for spring to return, 
That they, where first they did learn. 
May cheer with their voices, again and again. 
The one that would greet them, and hold them in 
chains. 



167 



THE POET. 

How hard when the poet no topic can find, 
On which to display his genius of mind, 
He takes up his pen, it matters not when, 
And thinks he will try it again. 

Re-rousing his vigor with speed he divines, 
And quick a new subject he finds, 
Exhausting with beauty, and keenness its source, 
He sweeps o'er the next with double-dosed force. 

Adversity never his topics retard, 
As he invariably never is barred, 
Dealing most sharply and always by yard, 
'Tis pleasing to him to throw out his card. 

Defending from critics his verses and all, 
He never a censure would wish to recal, 
His weapon more deadly than bane, 
The man who attacks will find it not vain. 



168 

SELECTED POEMS. 



SUPERSTITION. 

Not far away, for ages past had stood 

An old, inviolated, sacred wood. 

Whose gloomy boughs, thick interwoven, made, 

A chilly, cheerless, everlasting shade 

There not, the rustic gods, nor satyrs sport, 

Nor fawns and sylvans with the nymphs resort ; 

But barbarous priests some dreadful power adore, 

And lustrate every tree with human gore. 

If mysteries in times of old received, 

And pious ancientry may be believed. 

There not the feathered songster builds her nest, 

Nor lonely dens conceal the savage beast ; 

There no tempestuous winds presume to fly ; 

E'en lightnings glance aloof, and shoot obliquely by. 

No wanton breezes toss the wanton leaves, 

But shivering horror in the branches heaves, 

Black springs, with pitchy streams, divide the 

ground. 
And bubbling, tumble with a lullen ^ound, 



169 

Old Images of form nil^jhapen, stand, 
Rude, and unknowing of tlie artist's hand, 
With hoary fiUh begrimed, each ghastly head, 
Strikes the astonished gazer's soul with dread. 
No gods, who long in common shape appeared, 
Were e'er with such religious awe revered, 
But zealous crowds in ignorance adore, 
And still the less they know, they fear the more. 
Oft, as fame tells, the earth in sounds of wo, 
Is heard to groan from hollow depths below ; 
The baleful yew, though dead has oft been seen, 
To rise from earth, and spring with dusky green ; 
With sparkling flames the trees unburning shine, 
And round their boles prodigious serpents twine, 
The pious worshippers approach not near. 
But shun their gods, and kneel with distant fear, 
The priest himself, when or the day, or night. 
Rolling have reached their full meridian height, 
Refrains the gloomy paths with wary feet, 
Dreading the demon of the grove to meet ; 
Who terrible to the sight, at that fixed hour 
Still treads the round about his dreary bower. 
This wood, near neighboring to the encompassed 

town 
Untouched by former wars remained alone ; 
And since the country round it naked stands 
From hence the Latlan chief supplies demand. 
But lo ! the bolder hands that should have struck 

8 



170 

With some unusual horror, trembling shook ; 

^Vlth silent dread, and reverence they surveyed 

The gloom majestic of the sacred shade; 

None dares, with impious steel, the bark to rend, 

Lest on himself the destined stroke descend. 

Cffisar perceived the spreading fear to grow 

Then eager, caught an ax, and aimed a blow; 

Deep sunk within a violated oak, 

The wounding edge, and thus the warrior spoke ; — 

Now, let no doubting hand the task decline ; 

Cut you the wood, and let the guilt be mine. 

The trembling bands unwilhngly obeyed. 

Two various ills were in the balance laid, 

And Ccesar's wrath against the gods was weighed. 

With grief and fear, the groaning Gauls beheld, 

Their holy grove by impious soldiers felled ; 

While thus Massilians, from the encompassed well, 

Rejoiced to see the sylvan honors fell ; 

They hope such power can never prosper long, 

Nor think the patient gods will bear the wrong. 



171 



THE FRIENDS OF MY YOUTH. 

Friends of my youth ! where are ye ? on the stream 
Of joyous life we gaily launched together, 
Bloom'd then each bank, as in a fairy dream, 
Serene the sky, and placid was the weather ! 
But ye are gone, and have not told me whither! 
Alone my bark is drifting down the tide ; 
Alone she floats, nor one companion with her, 
To hail her progress, or her motions guide ! 
Alone I seem to live, where all is dead beside ! 

Friends of my youth ! where are ye ? on the bank 
Scarce here and there the willow branches wave, 
To mark the spot where some fair vessel sank 
Beneath the billows, to a watery grave ! 
Ah! was there none for you the storm to brave? 
None o'er the deep the friendly line to throw ? 
None from oblivion dark your names to save, 
Or on the last one simple stone bestow, 
To tell what truth, what worth, what beauty rests 
below ? 

Friends of my youth ! where are ye ? on the gloom 
Of midnight drear I often fix mine eye ; 
And seem to view returning from the tombj 



172 

The joys of other monarchs gliding by ! 

'Tis then I wipe the tear, and check the sigh, 

And bid the hymn replace the plaintive moan : 

But morning dawns, the sainted visions fly, 

I stretch my arms to grasp them ; but they're gone — 

And I am left again — sad — comfortless — alone ! 

Friends of my youth ! where are ye ? lost awhile ? 
But not forever No ! the hour shall come. 
When 1 shall meet you with a fairer smile, 
And taste the raptures of your heavenly home ! 
Cheerless, indeed, and lonely here I roam ! 
But there is one, who is my pilot still ; 
One, who amidst the tempest's thickest foam. 
Can grasp the rudder with a master's skill. 
And steer my skiff to land, and safety if He will ! 



173 



THE EMBROIDRESS AT MIDNIGHT. 

She plies the needle till the lamp 

Is waxing pale and dim ; 
She hears the watchman's heavy tramp, 

And she must watch like him, 
Her hands are dry, her forehead damp, 

Her dark eyes fiiintly swim. 

Look on her work ; — here blossom flowers 

The lily and the rose, 
Bright as the gems cf summer hours, 

But not to die like those ; 
Here, fadeless as in Eden's bowers. 

Forever they repose. 

Once, maiden, thou wast fresh and fair, 

As those sweet flowers of thine ; 
Now, shut from eunny light and air. 

How canst thou choose but pine ? 
Neglected flows thy raven hair, 

Like the uncultur'd vine. 

Look on her work ; — no common mind 

Arranged that glowing group — 
Wild wreaths the stately roses bind, 

Sweet bells above them droop — 



174 

Ye almost see the sportive wind 
Parting the graceful troop ! 

Look on her work ; — but look the more 

On her unwearied heart, 
And put aside the chamber-door 

That doth the daughter part 
From that dear mother, who before 

Taught her this cunning art. 

She sleeps — that mother, sick and pale- 
She sleeps — and litde deems 

That she, who doth her features veil 
Ail day, in flitting gleams 

Of anxious hope, this hour doth hail. 
But not for happy dreams. 

God bless her in her lone employ, 

And fill those earnest eyes 
With visions of the coming joy. 

Waiting her sacrifice, 
When they, who give her this employ. 

Pay her its stinted price ! 

Think how her trembling hand will clasp 

The treasure it will hold, 
With that which seems a greedy grasp — 

Yet not for love of gold ; 
That look — that sigh's relieving gasp, 

Its deeper springs unfold. 



175 

Think how her hasty feet will roam 
The market and the street, 

To purchase for her humble home 
The food and clothing meet, 

And with what gladness she will corns 
Back to this poor retreat ! 

Poor maiden ! if the fair ones who 
Thy graceful 'broidery buy, 

Only one-half thy struggles knew, 
And filial piety, 

Met hinks some drop of pity's dew 
Would gem the proudest eye ; 

It is not here its full reward 
Thy gentle heart will prove ; 

Here ever must thy lot be hard, 
But there is one above 

Who sees, and will not disregard, 
Thy consecrated love. 



176 



THE VOICE OF CHILDHOOD. 

1 heard u voice, 9 cliildish voice, 
And it bade my inmost soul rejoice ; 
It spake of pure and pleasant things, 
Of birds and bees, of flowers and springs : 
All that was sunshiny and fair, 
To grace a tale, wasgadier'd there ! 
Oh ! childhood hath a gushing tone, 
A clear sweet music all its own ;. 
A flute-like sound, a wilding thrill, 
Like the low rushing of a rill 
Which gaily murmurs on its way. 
Beside some ruin old and gray ; 
Untainted by the touch of time. 
Unchanged by darkness or decay, 
And laughing in its sunny piime, 
That anything should pass away ; 
Yes — this is childhood, as it sports 
Within a world of care and coil ; 
Heedless alike of camps and courts ; 
Thoughtless alike of grief and toil ; 
Oh ! it is pleasant, in the shade 
Of leaves and flowers, to hear the voice 
Of children singing out the glee 



177 

Of tlieir liuai l-gladiicss merrily, 
Making the silence of the glade 
Echo their cheerful song — " Rejoice !" 
x\n(l childhood is a lovely thing 
In its first freshness ; ere the wing 
Of lime hath swept its downy cheek, 
And left its trace of tears; 
Ere woe hath made its young voice speak 
The tale of after years ; 
It is so fair — so pure — so bright 
So redolent with joy ; 
Sad- that its visions of delight 
Should ever know alloy ; 
Its eye is like the gliuering star 
On Heaven's forehead set ; 
Its golden hair gleams lovelier far 
Than the attendant vapoi's are, 
When the bright clouds have met; 
Ten thousand splendors blent in one, 
The funeral pageant of the sun ! 
Its brow is placid, pure and fair, 
Untainted and untouch'd by care ; 
Its laughter, to maternal cars, 
Seems the glad music of the spheres ; 
While its light form with artless grace, 
Makes ''sunshine in a shady place." 
Its fairy foot, its bounding pace. 
So lightly tempt life's cheating race, 
8* 



178 

As forward, with elastic limb, 
Tt seems o'er sorrow's self to skim ; 
Wiping the tear as soon as shed, 
And casting every care behind ; 
Alas ! my heart hath often bled 
To think that it would one day find 
(Like He who peopled earth, flinging 
Stones backward on the path he fled,) 
The cark and coil, for ever springing 
Close on its track, with hydra head, 
O'er which, in its first bloomy years, 
It gaily pass' d— awaken tears 
It never thouglit to shed ! 
Thus muse 1 in my silent hour ; 
But childhood, by the simple pow'^r 
Of its free, fond, and flute-like voice, 
Pispels the gloom, and says— -'Rejoice !'* 
A*- 



179 



BE KIND TO EACH OTHER. 

Be kind to each other ! 

The night's corning on, 
When friend and when brother 

Perchance may be gone ! 
Then 'midst our dejection 

How sweet to have earned 
The blest recollection 

Of kindness — returned ! 
When day hath departed, 

And memory keeps 
Her watch, broken-hearted, 

Where all she loved sleeps ! 

Let falsehood assail not. 

Nor envy disprove — 
Let trifles prevail not 

Against those ye love ! 
Nor change with to-morrow, 

Should fortune take wing, 
But the deeper the sorrow, 

The closer still cling ! 
Oh, be kind to each other ! 

The night's coming on, 
When friend and when brodier 

Perchance may be gone ! 



180 



. STANZAS. 

When roses deck the cheek of youth, 

And laughter hghts the eye, 
We oft forget the solemn truth, 

That all these charms must die. 
And when through every hounding vein, 

The tide of vigor flows, 
We think not of the hed of pain, 

The mourner's secret woes. 

'Tis therefore good to leave the seat 

(The hook of wisdom tells) 
Of mirth and joy, for that retreat 

Where age or anguish dwells; 
'Tis there the child of folly learns 

The wounds which sin has given; 
And there the eye of faith discerns 

The balm which flows from heaven. 

Ah ! never does the youthful smile 

Such angel sweetness borrow. 
As when it would the heart be2:uile 

Of one dark hour of sorrow. 
And never is the youthful tear . 

In shower more graceful shed, 
Than when it drops upon the bier 

Where rests the hoary head. 



181 

Then if iVoin Him who cannot lie 

We would the future know, 
Tliere is a record kept on high 

Of what is done helow ; 
And on that page a seraph's pen 

Inscribes each act of love, 
By which with other sons of men 

We kindred feeling prove. 

Each gentle look, each accent kind, 

Each proof of tender care, 
Which now we cannot call to mind, 

Have long been written there. 
And they who weep with theni that weep, 

Or age's slumbers guard, 
May lose the friends whose couch they keep, 

But not their own reward. 

For, in that day, when yonder sun 

And every star is dim, 
The cup of joy which they have won 

Shall sparkle to the brim. 
And if the bright, the happy souls, 

The draught of rapture drain, 
A stream of endless pleasure rolls, 

To fill that cup again ! 



182 



CONSOLATION. 

Let them fall, these sad tears, let them silently fall, 

On the pitiless path that I tread, 
Where's the loved pious hand would have dried 
them up all, 

On the bosom to pillow my head ! 

Let them fall like the rain on the cold rocky strand, 

With a dull and a fruitless rebound 
That no zephyr's light pinion in frolic haih fann'd, 

No sunbeam hath kissed from the ground. 

For what to the heart of my cold brother man 
Is this poor breaking heart that I bear 'f 

Far far from my grief its deep anguish to scan, 
Too high to look down on my care. 

But oh ! may their eyes never weep such sad tears) 
Nor their sky be o'ercast like my own ; 

May their future glide on in bright hopes, without 
fears, 
And let mine be the gall cup alone. 

May the glittering crowds I have seen all depart 
With a smile (though they look upon me,) 

Never feel the deep want of that word to the heart, 
That whispers, '* I'm weeping with thee." 



183 

No longer can I then for sympathy turn 

To man, who resists its demands ; 
Let me cherish my grief, let my joy be to mourn, 

And thus bury my face in my hands. 

In that hour when my heart in solitude weeps, ^ 

And its funeral mantle puts on. 
And when none of its once loved possessions it 
keeps, 

Save its weeds for the last hope that's gone : 

When friendship herself turns aside from the path 
Where together we often had stray'd, 

Andxpierces the heart, like the hollow reed staff, 
Where the hand was too trustfully laid : 

And when from our sorrow's contagion men go, 

Too feeble to lend us relief, 
And we silently walk in our pathway of wo, 

Face to face and alone with our grief: 

When the future has lost the last charm that could 
make 

The lorn spirit desire a to-morrow, 
And when every morsel of bread that we take 

Is moisten' d with tear-drops of sorrow : 

'Tis then through the desolate silence I hear 
Thy voice, O my God speaking rest ; 

Thy hand can alone raise the weight of dull fear 
That lies chilly and cold at my breast. 



1^4 



'J'lieii 1 Ibel that no words like thy words havtj the 
power 
The wild flood of my grief to control, 
From them consolation is pour'd in that hour, 

When all others have ceased to console. 

t 

x^nd when I am drawn as a friend to thy breast. 

Thine arms everlasting around. 
The world cannot know, the sw^ect raptiu'e of rest, 

The happiness there to be found. 

And my soul mounts aloft in a spirit of prayer. 

And melts in communings so high, 
That, self-dried on my lids, ev^ry tear that btood 
there 

Has been chas'd like the dew from mine eye. 

'Tis thus the bright sunbeam from rock or from 
spray 
(/an absorb the last droppings of rain ; 
While the blast and the shadow, without heaven's 

Might have swept o'er and o'er them in vain. 



185 



A LYRIC FOR LOVERS. 

Love launched a gallant little cralt, 

Complete with every rope ; 
In golden words was painted aft— 

*' The Cupid, Captain Hope." 
Pleasure was rated second mate, 

And Passion made to steer ; 
The guns were banded o'er to Fate, 

To Impulse sailing-gear. 

Merrily rowed the thoughtless crew 

Amidst the billows' strife ; 
But soon a sail bore down — all knew 

'Twas Captain Reason's " Life." 
And Pleasure left, though Passion said 

He'd guard her safe from all harms : 
'Twas vain ; for Fate rammed home the lead, 

While Love prepared the small arms. 

A storm arose ; the canvass now 

Escaped from Impulse's hand, 
While headstrong Passion dashed the prow 

Swift on a rocky strand. 
" All's lost !" each trembling sailor cried : 

*' Bid Captain Hope adieu ;" 
But in his life-boat Reason hied 

To save the silly crew. 



186 

Impulse the torrents overwhelm, 

But Pleasure 'scaped from wreck, 
Love making Reason take the helm, 

Chained Passion to the deck. 
*' I thought you were my foe ; but now/' 

Said Love, "we'll sail together, 
Reason, henceforth through life shalt thou 

My pilot be forever." 



